Meerlust Rubicon 2022

As is well documented, the 2022 ripening period was hot and dry. Vinpro reports that Stellenbosch experienced almost three times as many hours above 35°C as in the previous year. Coming off a cool season, this sudden heat gave many vineyards a shock, tempering the usual accelerating effect of warmth on ripening.

Against this backdrop, Rubicon 2022 (price: R610 a bottle) from Meerlust doesn’t quite deliver the purity and freshness one might hope for. The blend is 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, the components matured separately for eight months before blending and returning to barrel for a further 10 months, 50% new oak. Alc: 14.22%. 

The nose shows red and black berries – slightly jammy, it must be said – together with earth, spice and a hint of pencil shavings. The palate is full, plush and creamy in texture, the tannins soft, the finish gently savoury. It will have its fans, but I miss the extra energy and structure that the 2021 displayed so convincingly.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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