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Rubaiyat 2020

Rubaiyat 2020

R 490.00
R 490.00
Sale Sold out

In stock

The Rubaiyat is De Grendel’s flagship wine, first made in 2006 when cellar master Charles Hopkins was asked by Sir David Graaff to make an ‘iconic’ wine for the Estate.

A classically poetic Bordeaux style blend consisting of a quatrain of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, the Rubaiyat was named after Omar Khayyam’s exquisite collection of 1000 Persian love poems from the 10th century, held dear by the late Sir David. Each successive vintage features a different quatrain from the poem on the label, hence the blend of four varietals.

Our flagship will richly reward aging for 10 – 12 years by becoming increasingly velvety, and as the tannins soften and integrate, the fruit may become slightly richer but the luscious elegance and nuances of spice will be retained.

Enjoy with: Rosemary Lamb, Boeuf Bourguignon, Beef Wellington

Tasting Notes: Mulberries, Savoury Spice, Buchu

Awards

2019
James Suckling 2024 91 Points
Platter's Guide 2023 94 Points
Tim Atkin SA Report 2024 91 Points
Veritas Awards 2024 Gold

2018
James Suckling 2023 91 Points
Platter's Guide 2022 5 Stars (95 Points)
Robert Parker Wine Advocate 2024 94+ Points
Tim Atkin Report 2022 91 Points
Veritas Awards 2023 Gold
Winemag Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report 91 Points

2017
Decanter Wine Awards 2021 94 Points
IWSC 2021 91 Points (Silver)
IWSC 2022 92 Points (Silver)
James Suckling 2021 92 Points
Michelangelo Wine Awards 2021 Gold
Michelangelo Wine Awards 2022 Double Gold
Platter's Guide 2021 4 1/2 Stars (93 Points)
Tim Atkin SA Report 2021 90 Points

2016
Decanter Wine Awards 2020 94 Points
Decanter Wine Awards 2021 93 Points
Hong Kong IWSC 2020 Gold
Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2020 Gold
Tim Atkin South African Report 2020 90 Points
Winemag Cape Bordeaux Red Blend Report 2020 Top 10

2015
China Wine & Spirits Awards 2018 Double Gold
China Wine & Spirits Awards 2018 South African Wine of the Year
James Suckling 2018 91 Points
Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2019 Gold
Mundus Vini Germany 2019 Gold
Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards 2019 Gold
South African Wine Index 2018 Platinum
The Sommeliers Selection 2018 - Voluptuous/Rich Red
Tim Atkin SA Report 2019 92 Points
Veritas Awards 2018 Gold
Veritas Awards 2019 Gold

2014
International Wine & Spirits Competition 2016 Gold
Korea Wine Challenge 2017 Gold

2013
International Wine & Spirits Competition 2015 Gold
Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2015 Platinum
Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2017 Trophy
Mundus Vini Germany 2016 Gold
The Sommeliers Selection 2016 - Voluptuous/Rich Red

2012
The Sommeliers Selection 2015 - Voluptuous/Rich Red

2011
China Wine & Spirits Awards Gold
Vitis Vinifera Awards 2014 Double Gold

2010
Mundus Vini Germany 2013 Gold

2008
Platter’s 4 Stars

2007
Platter’s 4 Stars
Veritas Double Gold
Winemakers Choice Awards 2012 Diamond Award

2006
Platter’s 4 Stars

Free Delivery

Delivery is FREE for orders of 12 or more bottles in South Africa.

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  • Tasting Notes

    Deep garnet in colour with excellent clarity, the 2020 Rubaiyat presents an alluring bouquet of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and subtle hints of cedar and graphite. The palate is rich and layered, with concentrated dark fruit, fine-grained tannins, balanced acidity, and a hint of spice. Structured and elegant, the wine offers a long, persistent finish, showcasing depth, poise, and the concentrated expression of the Firgrove vineyards.

  • Food Complements

    Pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, lamb, and game dishes. Complements hearty stews and aged cheeses. Its firm tannins, concentrated dark fruit, and balanced acidity also lift rich dishes and slow-cooked casseroles.

  • Vintage

    Winter brought cold temperatures and ample rainfall, setting the stage for optimal growth in spring and summer. Yet, sporadic heat spikes and showers in January disrupted vine growth, challenging vintners to gauge ripeness accurately. The 2020 crop size remained average.

Technical Tasting Sheets

Click below to download the latest technical tasting sheet for this wine, or click here for older vintage tasting sheets.

Download Tasting Sheet