New release: Meerlust Rubicon 2022

Earning prestigious accolades, the Rubicon remains one of Stellenbosch's iconic red wines. We are proud to offer a pre-release of the 2022 vintage before it's officially available later this month.

Meerlust Rubicon 2022

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Rubicon is a true embodiment of the Meerlust Estate, harnessing the essence of four distinct terroirs:

Compagniesdrift: Offering expressive and bold structure with its granitic hilltop soils.
River Terraces: Producing delicate and fruit-forward wines, thanks to lighter sandy soils and cool night airflow.
Quarry: Presenting wines with exceptional length and precision, derived from the rocky greywacke terrain.
Lowlands: Known for its smooth, silky texture and prominent black fruit, courtesy of ancient estuarine clay-rich soils.

Higher than the long-term average rainfall was recorded during the winter months leading up to the 2022 harvest. Soil profiles were well saturated at the beginning of the growing season with bud break delayed due to low soil temperatures for up to nine days compared to the previous year. Exceptional summer rainfall resulted in lush canopies with high growth rates due to access to water and higher mean temperatures recorded in the growing season. Although bud break occurred later flowering and véraison only differ a day or two from the previous season. The pace of the season was slowed down by a dry and warm temperatures recorded during the ripening period this led to harvest starting later. This resulted in good hang times, minimal harvesting pressure due to lower yields enabling the picking of grapes at optimum ripeness levels. Wines of this season shows finesse and fruit freshness coupled with a fine tannin structure.

Crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Merlot (40%), Cabernet Franc (12%), and Petit Verdot (4%), each parcel underwent meticulous vinification before harmonizing in barrel for a total of 18 months. The result is a wine where the more mature Merlot vineyards shine, contributing to a balanced and captivating final blend.

On the palate, the Rubicon 2022 exhibits a tightly wound core of deep, dense violets, blackberry, cedar wood, bouquet garni and intense spice, underscored by hints of liquorice. Full-bodied and structured, yet brimming with fresh dark fruit, rounded tannins, and seamlessly integrated with oak.

With an aging potential of up to 20 years under ideal cellar conditions, the Meerlust Rubicon 2022 promises enthusiasts a reward of true drinking pleasure.

The Rubicon 2022 costs R590 per bottle, and wine club members qualify for a discounted price of R531.

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Wine tasting at Meerlust Estate

Visit our tasting room to taste the Rubicon 2022, as well as the full range of Meerlust wines.

Our tasting room is open to receive visitors from Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 17h00, and on Saturdays amd public holidays from 10h00 to 15h00. Please note that we are closed on Sundays, New Years Day, Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Standard tasting (no booking required): We offer a tasting of our full range of wines, including the Rubicon at R75 pp, which is refundable per person who purchase wine after their tasting.
Seated VIP tasting (booking required): Our VIP tasting will be presented by a senior member of the team, in our private seated tasting room. It includes our full range of current vintage wines, as well as an older vintage of Rubicon and one of our other Estate wines, these are served in Riedel varietal range glassware. A fee of R250 per person applies.

For bookings, please email tasting@meerlust.co.za.