“The 2020 Chardonnay has a lovely bouquet, gentle and harmonious, with touches of citrus peel, mirabelle and light stony aromas. The well-balanced palate delivers fine acidity, lime flavors and hints of stem ginger that combine neatly with the citrus fruit on the taut finish. Not amazingly complex, but a very competent Chardonnay.”

“The 2017 Rubicon, Meerlust's flagship Bordeaux blend (68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot) offers attractive blackberry, raspberry coulis and floral scents on the nose, plus just a touch of glycerol. The palate is harmonious and medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity and an almost understated but long finish.”

“Bright, glowing ruby colour and some good development even if it's just slightly austere, but well composed and subtler than most South African bordeaux blends. Not expensive!”

“Meerlust Chardonnay has shifted in style since I last tasted it for the report and is now a much more focused, balanced white. Deftly oaked in 61% new barrels, it has lemon and lime flavours, some sea breeze freshness and subtle texture from partial malolactic. 2022-27.”

“There was no Rubicon release in 2019, so all of the fruit went into the Meerlust Red instead, making it a very tasty second wine. Cabernet Sauvignon-led, with a supporting cohort of 57% Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this is a perfumed, detailed, well-balanced red with violet and tobacco leaf notes, red berry flavours and good acidity for a 2019. 2022-27.”