The Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot vineyards are hand harvested from February through to March and each individual vineyard block is kept separate throughout the fermentation process and monitored until the moment of blending.   The alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel after which the wine is run off into 300 litre French Oak barrels.   In wintertime, after malolactic fermentation has allowed the personality of each vineyard to assert itself in barrel, the wines are carefully assessed to produce the most expressive, harmonious and complex wine. The blend is assembled and then allowed another year in barrel for the components to harmonise. The wine is finally bottled and left for a further 2 years before release. Rubicon is always released at four years of age and will immediately offer the distinctive character and quality of the Estate. However, further bottle maturation is advised for the intriguing complexity of this classic wine to unfold and reveal itself.

The palate has a plush, juicy red and black fruit core with seamless, integrated tannins and a fine seam of acidity. Pin-point balance between the new oak and fruit results in a wine with grace and elegance and beautiful savoury notes on the finish. Although concentrated and powerful, it is softer and juicier than the structured 2015.