Mauricio Lorca Gran Reserva Malbec (Magnum) 2023 vs Meerlust Rubicon 2020

Meerlust Rubicon 2020

Meerlust Rubicon is the flagship wine of one of South Africa's most iconic and historic estates, a premium Bordeaux blend from Stellenbosch that has defined the benchmark for Cape red wine since its first vintage in 1980. Structured, full-bodied and deeply elegant, with a rich core of dark fruit, layered spice and seamlessly integrated oak, this is a wine of genuine greatness and exceptional ageing potential. Why You'll Love It Meerlust Estate has been in the Myburgh family since 1756, and under eighth-generation Hannes Myburgh the estate continues its tradition of meticulous, terroir-driven winemaking from its unique coastal position near False Bay. The cooling maritime influence ensures slow, even ripening and concentration of flavours across the estate's four distinctive terroirs. Rubicon is the expression of all of that heritage, precision and place in a single bottle, and remains one of the Cape's most celebrated and collectible wines. Vineyard & Production Fruit is drawn from four distinct terroirs on the estate: Die Kop with coarse granitic soils producing bold structure; River Terraces with sandy, river-stone soils promoting delicate, fruit-forward character; Quarry with rocky greywacke and shale yielding precision and red fruit; and Lowlands with clay-rich soils giving smooth, silky textures with prominent black fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are fermented separately before malolactic fermentation in 300-litre barrels and large foudre. After 8 months in barrel the components are blended and aged for a further 10 months to harmonise flavours and structure. Tasting Notes Deep, youthful colour with a purple hue. Aromas of violets, ripe plum, cedarwood, fennel, liquorice and spice. The palate is full-bodied and structured, with fresh dark fruit, rounded tannins and seamlessly integrated oak. A wine of real depth and persistence. Perfect Pairings A natural partner for venison, game, pot roast and noble cheeses. Also excellent