A blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc aged 80% in new Nevers 300-liter barrels for 22 months, the flagship 2007 Rubicon did not live up to its reputation. It has a well-defined, quite opulent mint tinged bouquet with touches of macerated red cherries, red currant and sloes. The palate is medium-bodied with a toasty entry and good depth. I would like to see more of the Cabernet Sauvignon character coming through and more precision on the finish. Drink now-2017.

Meerlust is one of Stellenbosch’s, perhaps South Africa’s most famous names, owned by the Myburgh family since 1757. Their 110-hectares of vine are focused upon classic French grape varieties and their flagship Rubicon, which debuted in 1980, has become one of the country’s international icons. All said, the current range of wines did not quite set the pulse racing. Whilst the Rubicon is certainly a good wine at a reasonable price, I feel that it might have been overtaken by some of its peers in recent years, perhaps including cellar master Chris Williams own “The Foundry” wines. 89 points