| 2007-07-08 21:11 |
WS: Mature, yet still dark in color, with notes of iron, raisin, tar, fig and rose petal. Grainy in texture, this lacks modern-day vivacity, but has guts, length and depth. Well done, though this Nebbiolo-like style isn't for everyone. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2008. 8,600 cases made. –JM |
| 2007-07-08 21:12 |
IWC: By Stephen Tanzer
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Mar/Apr 07
($30; a blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 10% cabernet franc) Bright, deep ruby-red. Medicinal dark berries, black cherry, cedar, licorice and tobacco on the old-fashioned nose. Juicy, tight and a bit ungiving, with still-youthful plum, bitter cherry and cedar flavors. Finishes with slightly tough, building tannins. This should evolve in a Bordeaux direction, showing earth, truffle, tobacco and underbrush as it unwinds in bottle. The Rubicon is one of South Africa's most famous wines, and insiders report that subsequent vintages have moved toward a more pliant style. 88(+?) points |