2004 Meerlust Rubicon – Stellenbosch, South Africa – A Cape Classic in Magnum Format (1.5L)

A Cape classic with two decades behind it.

Meerlust Rubicon is one of South Africa’s best-known reds, a Bordeaux-style blend from Stellenbosch. This is the 2004, in a 1.5L magnum: fully mature, with dark fruit, graphite and tobacco that have softened over two decades.

Tastes like: Blackcurrant and plum, with cedar, pencil lead and leather.
Feels like: Full-bodied and dry, with a bit of grip, balanced freshness and oak in the background.
Great with: Grilled ribeye, lamb stew, slow-roasted duck, hard cheeses.
Singapore and Asian favourites: Black pepper beef, Cantonese roast duck, braised beef brisket noodles.

The geeky bit: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, estate-grown on decomposed granite soils in a mild climate with cooling ocean breezes.

Accolades: 90 pts Wine Spectator · 90 pts Falstaff

Why we like it: A mature magnum of a famous wine. Quite a statement on the table.

Serve: 16 to 18°C. Room temperature in Singapore is too warm for red wine, so give it 20 minutes in the fridge first. Stand upright for a day, decant gently off any sediment and serve soon after.
Alcohol: 14%