Meerlust Estate Rubicon

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Vintage:2021 (Current)

2016 (Past) | 2017 (Past) | 2018 (Past) | 2020 (Current) |

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Meerlust Estate Rubicon 2021
  • WAN 96
  • V 91

Reviews

Vinous Media 91 Points October 2025, Neal Martin

The 2021 Rubicon has quite an extrovert bouquet, more so than the 2001; black plum, dark chocolate and light violet scents emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy, ripe tannins, more body and depth here, cohering nicely towards the slightly lactic finish that fans out nicely. Fine. Tasted at the Meerlust tasting at Berry Brothers & Rudd in London.

Wine Anorak 96 Points May 2025, Jamie Goode

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in equal parts making 90% of the blend, then Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Sourced from all four terroir units on the farm. 50% new oak here, with 18 months in barrel, but looking at less toast. First vintage 1980. Concentrated and fresh with lovely blackcurrant and red cherry fruit, with subtle olive and spice showing great intensity and potential for ageing. Grippy and structured with well integrated oak, and lovely fruit balance. Primary and brimming with potential.

Overview

Meerlust Estate has been part of the Myburgh family tradition for eight generations, dating back to 1693. Long recognized for producing world-class wines, the Meerlust Estate is singularly rich in charm and history. Meerlust produces wines that are true to the intrinsic character of their vineyards located in the Stellenbosch region in South Africa. The diverse soils, the unique coastal climate and over 300 years of dedication are all essential components of Meerlust’s complex, rich and truly distinctive wines.

Winemaking

The Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on low yielding, predominantly biotite partially decomposed granite gravel topsoil rich in quartz and feldspar to a depth of approximately 600mm with a loamy clay subsoil. The merlot vineyards are planted on more clay rich, yet well drained soils to ensure moisture retention and availability to the vines roots right through the summer. There are considerable deposits of iron-rich Laterite in the merlot vineyards which accentuates the fruit definition and mineral profile of the wine. The Cabernet Franc vineyard is situated on very well drained, stony Vilafontes soil with approximately 20% clay which is ideal for this variety. The petit verdot is on Oakleaf 3 soils on a northerly aspect to ensure full phenolic ripeness.

The 2021 Rubicon is 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 L barrels and large Foudré. After 8 months in barrel, the components were blended and given another 10 months in barrel for harmonization before bottling. 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.

Tasting Notes

Very deep, youthful color, and intense almost purple hue. Quintessential Rubicon nose with violets, ripe plum, cedar wood, fennel, and intense spiciness. A typical liquorice note also evident on the nose. Still young and intense, the palate is full bodied, structured but packed with fresh dark fruit and rounded tannins. This is a vintage that is more approachable in youth because of the ripeness and richness levels attained in 2018 but will provide great complexity with further maturation.

Harvest Notes

The winter rainfall started late, but regular cold fronts contributed almost 100 mm more precipitation than in the previous season. Soil profiles were well saturated and farm dams returned to pre-drought levels. Low soil temperatures delayed bud break by up to 14 days. The later cultivars such as Cabernet Sauvignon developed evenly. Despite sustained cool conditions, the flowering and fruit set periods were moderate and ideal. Véraison followed the seasonal trend and was generally up to 14 days later than the previous season. Ripening was consistently about 10-14 days later than the previous year, and the ripening period was very moderate. This resulted in good hang times, minimal harvesting pressure and allowed for optimum picking. Although yields are lower, the grape composition and preliminary wine quality of the 2021 vintage showed immediate promise. In spite of the cooler conditions, the red cultivars have generally achieved ideal sugar and alcohol levels, with lower pHs and higher acidity than in recent seasons. The wines have intensity and freshness coupled with a fine tannin structure.

Food Pairing

This wine pairs well with venison, game, pot roast and noble cheese. Suggested serving temperature is 64°F - 68°F.

Technical Information

Varietals: 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Wine Alcohol: 14.20%

Titratable Acidity: 5.91 g/L

pH: 3.48

Aging: 18 months in barrel

Aging Potential: 15-20 years