Rubicon 2021

Meerlust, fact sheet (meerlust.co.za – linket fra meerlust.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2021 Meerlust Rubicon – område: Stellenbosch; 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot; alkohol 14.2%. W.O. står ikke på arket; druerne er ifølge arket fra godset, som ligger i Stellenbosch. Producentens noter (engelsk): Season: The 2020 post-harvest period was characterised by very hot and dry conditions, which led to early leaf fall, especially in early ripening cultivars. 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 (from 2015 to 2018). The budding period was particularly cool and wet, and low soil temperatures delayed bud break by up to 14 days. Bud break was uneven for sensitive cultivars, while 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. Vinification: 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. Terroir: The Rubicon is a true expression of the Meerlust estate and draws fruit from our four distinctive terroirs. Each terroir provides a unique element to the final blend. […]