A wine I'd been meaning to 'drink up', ever since buying it in 2008 Eventually you just think "open the bl**dy thing".
1982 Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon - South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch (15/01/2025)
Some gunk at the top of the cork, but it came out in one piece and fine with a butler's thief / ah-so opener, plus the level being still in the neck gave some hope.
More tertiary on opening, but freshened up well with time in the glass.
Recognisably Cabernet Sauvignon, albeit on the greener / leaner end of the spectrum, with green pepper coming through clearly on nose and palate. There is some fresh blackcurrant fruit, albeit it sits just behind the leafy/green pepper. Decent acidity gives it freshness. Not huge complexity, but very pleasant for someone who likes leaner claret (and those that like aged Loire Cab Franc reds).
Somewhat surprised it was in such good shape: on a gentle fade rather than risking falling apart.
Don't mind a good South African Cabernet now and again ... Boekenhoutskloof a personal favourite but rare as hens teeth ... however have had a few different vintages of this label and always seems to be consistently good.
I quite understand how bottles meant to be opened get overlooked. I've not had the Meerlust's straight Cabernet before but have rather enjoyed their Bordeaux blend called the Rubicon. Anyway, thanks for the notes. How did you come to find a bottle that was already 26 years old at the time of purchase?
I think it would have been in a mixed auction lot, something I used to enjoy bidding on - more effort, but the prices often made up for that. I agree on the Rubicon, the wine I've had the most of from Meerlust.
Eventually you just think "open the bl**dy thing".