Meerlust Collection, 4 Bottles, Provenance: Restaurant Mosaic Wine Cellar Collection

Meerlust Collection, 4 Bottles, Provenance: Restaurant Mosai...

1/1

Estimate

R1,450 - R3,500

Hammer

R1,400

Fees

Meerlust Collection, 4 Bottles, Provenance: Restaurant Mosaic Wine Cellar Collection

More Information

1 x 2008 Meerlust Chardonnay (750ml) - Platter 4.5*
2 x 2008 Meerlust Rubicon (750ml) - Platter 4.5*
1 x 2009 Meerlust Rubicon (750ml) - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 92/100

Established in 1693, Stellenbosch-based Meerlust holds a legacy spanning over three centuries. It's recognized not only for producing exceptional wines but also for its role in preserving and shaping South Africa's viticultural history. Meerlust's iconic Bordeaux-style red blend, the Rubicon, has consistently earned critical acclaim and international recognition.

"Alea iacta est. The die is cast," Julius Caesar is supposed to have said as he led his troops towards Rome in 49BC. The crucial border of the ancient capital was the Rubicon River, and the decision to cross it marked an irrevocable point in history. It would profoundly shift the course of Roman politics - there could be no turning back.

Some 2000 years later, a watershed event occurred in the life of Nico Myburgh, father of the current custodian of Meerlust, Hannes Myburgh. Holidaying in Bordeaux, he discovered that the terroir in this area of France was similar to that of the Eerste River Valley. Both have a distinctive climate, characterised by a cooling sea breeze. And both have a soil structure made up of decomposed granite and clay. The red wines produced by the two regions, however, were very different. Unlike the Western Cape's specified cultivars, Bordeaux thrived on producing blends.

Nico returned to Meerlust, filled with inspiration and the desire to create a blend of his own that would match those of the French. In 1980, after several years of experimentation together with winemaker Giorgio Dalla Cia, he announced the birth of the new blend. With proportions of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, a new style of wine had been created in South Africa. Like Caesar, there could be no turning back.

Nico and Giorgio had already considered a number of names for the new blend when Professor Dirk Opperman from the University of Stellenbosch, a friend of Nico's suggested that "Rubicon" might be appropriate. The pair had, after all, crossed a new frontier - and changed the way South Africans thought about red wine.

Closed
Auction Date: 20th Nov 2023 at 10am

Fees apply to the hammer price:

Room and Absentee Bids:
23% inc VAT*

Online and Autobids:
23% inc VAT*

*These fees include buyers premiums and internet surcharges.
Please see the auctioneers terms & conditions for more information

Other Lots in this Auction