2021 Meerlust, Rubicon, Stellenbosch 1x75cl

Neal Martin 90

The 2021 Rubicon matured in 300-liter barrels and a large foudre for 18 months, averaging out to 50% new French oak. It has a tightly wound bouquet with black plum, black olive and light floral scents, finely delineated but needing time to open. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy blackberry and raspberry fruit, firm backbone and a grippy, off-dry finish. I would give this three or four years in bottle to round its edges. Fine. [Neal Martin, 01/09/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2027-2042

JancisRobinson.com 17

Full bottle 1,377 g. 100% estate fruit from all four of their vineyard blocks: Compagniesdrift (weathered granite on a hilltop); River Terraces (sand and roounded river stones); Quarry (greywacke with interbedded shales); Lowlands (a cool, south-facing block on clay-rich soils from deeply weathered greywacke and shales). A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (48%), Merlot (46%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (1%), every parcel of each variety was fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300-litre barrels and large foudres. After eight months in barrel, the components were blended and given another 10 months in barrel. The 2021 sees the more mature Merlot vineyards coming more to the fore with almost equal part Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the final blend. RS 2.04 g/l, pH 3.48, TA 5.93 g/l. Dark, with cooked-fruit richness, brulee and umami. Chocolate and plum, lavender fragrance, deep violet tones and the cool breath of liquorice on the finish. There is a black sheen of minerality at the core, which, together with the fantastic herbal (fynbos?) aromatic lift and fragrance, flood the flaring fan of ripeness with freshness and length. Well-managed oak. Very competent. Very refined. Classic. (TC) [27/09/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2038