Fodor's Expert Review Meerlust
A visit to Meerlust, one of South Africa's most celebrated estates, provides an introduction to Cape history. In the same family for generations, the vineyard was bought by Johannes Albertus Myburgh in 1757. When Nicolaas Myburgh took over the reins in 1959, he began restoring the farm's Cape Dutch buildings. The entire complex was declared a national monument. Nico Myburgh did more than just renovate. In the '70s, conventional wisdom had it that Cabernet Sauvignon was king, but Nico went against the grain and opted for a Bordeaux-style blend, planting both Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The first wine, made in 1980 and released in 1983, was named Rubicon (an allusion to Julius Caesar) to symbolize the crossing of a significant barrier. Rubicon garners awards year after year and is rated as an international best seller. The estate makes only one white, a delicious, full-bodied Chardonnay. Meerlust's other wines—Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot—are also notably good. The low-key,... READ MORE
A visit to Meerlust, one of South Africa's most celebrated estates, provides an introduction to Cape history. In the same family for generations, the vineyard was bought by Johannes Albertus Myburgh in 1757. When Nicolaas Myburgh took over the reins in 1959, he began restoring the farm's Cape Dutch buildings. The entire complex was declared a national monument. Nico Myburgh did more than just renovate. In the '70s, conventional wisdom had it that Cabernet Sauvignon was king, but Nico went against the grain and opted for a Bordeaux-style blend, planting both Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The first wine, made in 1980 and released in 1983, was named Rubicon (an allusion to Julius Caesar) to symbolize the crossing of a significant barrier. Rubicon garners awards year after year and is rated as an international best seller. The estate makes only one white, a delicious, full-bodied Chardonnay. Meerlust's other wines—Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot—are also notably good. The low-key, relaxed tasting offers great value for money
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