{"product_id":"meerlust-rubicon","title":"Meerlust, Rubicon","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eProduct Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eCountry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 2;\"\u003e South Africa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eRegion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 2;\"\u003e Stellenbosch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eGrape Variety \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eVintage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 2;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e2022\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eABV \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e14%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeerlust Rubicon 2022 – Iconic \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/stellenbosch\" title=\"Stellenbosch Wine Collection\"\u003eStellenbosch\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/bordeaux\" title=\"Bordeaux Wine Collection\"\u003eBordeaux\u003c\/a\u003e Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Buy Meerlust Rubicon 2022?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Meerlust Wine Collection\" href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/search?q=meerlust\"\u003eMeerlust\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Rubicon 2022 is one of \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/south-african-wines\" title=\"South African Wine Collection\"\u003eSouth Africa\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e’s most iconic \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/red-wine\" title=\"Red Wine Collection\"\u003ered wines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, crafted in Stellenbosch using a classic Bordeaux blend. Renowned for its elegance, ageing potential, and consistent critical acclaim, this vintage delivers exceptional balance between rich fruit, refined tannins, and subtle oak integration.\u003cbr\u003eThe 2022 vintage stands out for its purity and structure, shaped by favourable growing conditions that allowed for extended ripening and enhanced flavour development. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa\u003cbr\u003e• Producer: Meerlust Estate\u003cbr\u003e• Grapes: 44% \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/cabernet-sauvignon\" title=\"Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Collection\"\u003eCabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, 40% \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/merlot\" title=\"Merlot Wine Collection\"\u003eMerlot\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, 12% \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/cabernet-franc\" title=\"Cabernet Franc Wine Collection\"\u003eCabernet Franc\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, 4% Petit Verdot\u003cbr\u003e• Style: Full-bodied red wine\u003cbr\u003e• ABV: ~14%\u003cbr\u003e• Ageing Potential: 10–20 years \u003cbr\u003eCrafted from multiple terroirs across the estate, this wine combines structure, finesse, and complexity, hallmarks of the Rubicon legacy. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAppearance: Deep ruby red with youthful intensity and a vibrant core. \u003cbr\u003eNose: Complex and expressive, showing:\u003cbr\u003e• Blackcurrant (cassis), blackberry, and ripe plum\u003cbr\u003e• Floral hints of violet and lavender\u003cbr\u003e• Cedar, graphite, and subtle spice \u003cbr\u003ePalate: Full-bodied and layered with:\u003cbr\u003e• Concentrated dark fruit flavours\u003cbr\u003e• Fine-grained, rounded tannins\u003cbr\u003e• Balanced acidity and integrated oak\u003cbr\u003eThe 2022 vintage shows both richness and precision, with a plush mid-palate and mineral freshness. \u003cbr\u003eFinish: Long, elegant, and structured with lingering notes of spice, cocoa, and dark fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Critic Scores\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Tim Atkin MW (2025): 96 Points \u003cbr\u003e• Greg Sherwood MW: 95+ Points \u003cbr\u003e• Platter’s Wine Guide: 4.5 Stars \u003cbr\u003eCritics consistently praise the 2022 Rubicon for its balance of richness, elegance, and ageing potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairing Suggestions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMeerlust Rubicon 2022 pairs beautifully with rich, savoury dishes:\u003cbr\u003e• Roast lamb or beef Wellington\u003cbr\u003e• Venison and game meats\u003cbr\u003e• Ribeye steak or slow-cooked short ribs\u003cbr\u003e• Mushroom risotto or truffle pasta\u003cbr\u003e• Mature cheeses\u003cbr\u003eServe at 16–18°C and decant for 45–60 minutes to fully appreciate its aromas.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVintage \u0026amp; Winemaking Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2022 growing season benefited from above-average winter rainfall, ensuring healthy vine development. A warm, dry ripening period allowed grapes to achieve optimal maturity, resulting in a wine with refined tannins and excellent balance. \u003cbr\u003eEach grape variety was vinified separately before ageing in French oak barrels for approximately 18 months, ensuring depth and harmony in the final blend. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Drink Meerlust Rubicon 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Drink now: With decanting for immediate enjoyment\u003cbr\u003e• Peak drinking window: 2026–2035\u003cbr\u003e• Cellaring potential: Up to 20 years \u003cbr\u003eThis is a wine that will reward patience, developing greater complexity and silkier tannins over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore \u003ca title=\"South African Red Wine Collection\" href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/south-african-wines?pf_t_type=Red+Wine\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSouth African Red Wines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Stellenbosch Wine Collection\" href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/south-african-wines?pf_t_region=Stellenbosch\"\u003eStellenbosch\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Collection\" href=\"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/collections\/cabernet-sauvignon\"\u003eCabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eCollection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eQ. Is Meerlust Rubicon 2022 worth buying?\u003cbr\u003eA. Yes, this is one of South Africa’s benchmark Bordeaux-style blends, consistently scoring 95+ points and offering excellent value compared to similarly styled wines.\u003cbr\u003eQ. Can you drink Meerlust Rubicon 2022 now?\u003cbr\u003eA. Yes, but decanting is recommended. For optimal complexity, cellar for 5–10 years.\u003cbr\u003eQ. How long can I cellar this wine?\u003cbr\u003eA. It can age for 10–20 years, developing tertiary notes like tobacco, leather, and spice. \u003cbr\u003eQ. What makes Rubicon unique?\u003cbr\u003eA. Its multi-terroir sourcing and classic Bordeaux blend create a wine that balances New World fruit intensity with Old World structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinal Thoughts\u003cbr\u003eMeerlust Rubicon 2022 is a standout vintage from one of South Africa’s most historic estates. With its layered complexity, polished structure, and outstanding critic scores, it is a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.\u003cbr\u003eWhether you are looking for a cellar-worthy investment or a premium red for a special occasion, this Stellenbosch classic delivers exceptional quality and timeless appeal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Divine Fine Wines","offers":[{"title":"75cl \/ Tax Included","offer_id":52609043497303,"sku":null,"price":34.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"6x75cl \/ Tax Included","offer_id":52532805370199,"sku":null,"price":209.7,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0929\/5334\/6391\/files\/Meerlust-Rubicon-2022.jpg?v=1768307451","url":"https:\/\/divinefinewines.co.uk\/products\/meerlust-rubicon","provider":"Divine Fine Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}