Meerlust Estate, located in the heart of South Africa’s renowned Stellenbosch region, is a symbol of winemaking excellence with a history dating back to 1693. Known for its dedication to tradition and innovation, the estate crafts exceptional wines that capture the essence of Stellenbosch’s unique terroir, with a particular emphasis on Bordeaux varietals.

This dinner highlights Meerlust’s younger vintages, showcasing the estate’s evolving vision under Wim Truter, who was appointed Cellar Master in 2020. The Rubicon 2021, in particular, has received outstanding reviews—Tim Atkin awarded it 98 points, making it a remarkable different vintage from its predecessors.

For any ticketing issues, please contact CUWS Website & Ticketing Officer Naomi

WINES

• Meerlust Chardonnay 2023
• Pinot Noir 2023
• Estate Red 2020
• Rubicon 2021

MENU

Once you have bought your ticket, we will contact you to ask you for your menu choices.

•  Pressed Broccoli & Parmesan Crisp (Vegetarian), Smoked Chestnut Crumb, Miso Mayo (Egg, Milk, Soy, Mustard)
  OR
• Braised Oxtail & Chorizo Croquette, Tomato and Roasted Pepper Salsa, Chipotle Aioli (Egg, Sulphites, Mustard)
  OR
• Crispy Squid,  Thai Slaw Salad (Carrot, Pak Choi, Coriander, Chilli, Bean Shoots, Sweetcorn), Lime Aioli   (Molluscs, Egg, Mustard)

•  Miso, Ginger & Daikon Risotto (Vegan Adaptable), Carrot Caramel Purée, Crispy Soybean (Egg, Milk, Soy, Sulphites)
  OR
• Coconut Yoghurt-Marinated Chicken Supreme, Crushed New Potato, Green Beans, Ginger, Coconut and Coriander Pesto (Egg, Milk, Soy)
  OR
•  Suffolk Pork Duo – Crispy Pork Belly & Tenderloin, Glazed Carrot, Potato Terrine, Apple Purée, Calvados Cream Sauce (Milk, Sulphites)

Napa Valley, California

Opus One is an iconic Napa Valley winery born from the visionary collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi in 1979. This pioneering Franco-American partnership set out to create a single wine of uncompromising quality, combining Bordeaux winemaking techniques with California terroir. Opus One produces just two wines – their eponymous flagship Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend and Overture. Known for its meticulous attention to detail in vineyards and cellar, Opus One consistently crafts some of Napa Valley’s most sought-after and age-worthy wines. Join us to experience the pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking and indulge in the legendary Opus One, a true American icon!

For any ticketing issues, please contact CUWS Website & Ticketing Officer, Naomi

Founded in 1834 on the hill of L’Hermitage in Tain L’Hermitage, the Paul Jaboulet Aîné house oversees an exceptional heritage that brings together the most famous terroirs of the Northern Rhone Valley and produces quintessential great wines.

Paul Jaboulet Aîné is an iconic producer in the Rhône Valley. Founded in 1834 by Antoine Jaboulet (father of Paul), Paul’s son Louis and grandson Gérard have been among the great ambassadors for the region and the négociant. Caroline Frey, daughter of owner Jean-Jacques Frey, became winemaking in 2006. She immediately began converting the estate to sustainable farming, achieving organic certification in 2016. In 2022, Jean-Guillaume Prats, of Bordeaux fame, was brought on board.

Under Caroline’s stewardship, the estate has returned to the top ranks in Hermitage thanks to her meticulous skills and attention to detail in the vineyards and winery. In total, Jaboulet owns 120 hectares of organically farmed vines across the Northern Rhône, including Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Condrieu, Cornas. While many of their excellent reds are Syrah-based, they also grow Rhône varieties including Grenache and Mourvedre, while whites include Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier.

We will also be tasting wines from Domaine de la Chapelle, bought by the Jaboulet family in 1919. It is best known for La Chapelle, its flagship red Hermitage blend, and Chevalier de Sterimberg, its white Hermitage blend.

Please join us for this special tasting.