Meerlust Estate Red
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Vintage:2022 (Pending)
2019 (Past) | 2020 (Past) | 2021 (Current) | 2023 (Pending)
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Reviews
The Wine Advocate 91 Points
The Meerlust 2022 Stellenbosch Estate Red, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, spent 16 months in French oak and presents a polished, international profile. Dark fruit, spice and grilled herb are delivered with confident balance on the nose, while the palate reveals a more distinctly South African character through its restrained, silky, mid-weight texture. Stellenbosch’s combination of warm days and cooling maritime airflow supports this contrast between aromatic generosity and controlled structure.
Overview
Meerlust Estate has been part of the Myburgh family tradition for eight generations, dating back to 1693. Long recognized for producing world-class wines, the Meerlust Estate is singularly rich in charm and history. Meerlust produces wines that are true to the intrinsic character of their vineyards located in the Stellenbosch region. The diverse soils, the unique coastal climate and over 300 years of dedication are all essential components of Meerlust’s complex, rich and truly distinctive wines.
Winemaking
The 2022 Estate Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Cabernet Franc (40%), and Merlot (10%). Every parcel of each variety was fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300 L barrels and large Foudré. After 8 months in oak, the components were blended and given another 8 months in barrel for harmonization before bottling.
Tasting Notes
Youthful ruby red colour, with a garnet red hue. Supple red and black fruit, with warm spice on the nose with some supporting oak notes. Still young and intense, the palate is full bodied, structured but packed with fresh red fruit and soft rounded tannins.
Harvest Notes
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 being 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 veraison only differed 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 optimal ripeness levels. Wines of this season shows finesse and fruit freshness coupled with a fine tannin structure.
Food Pairing
Gourmet burgers, light red meats, and tomato-based pasta dishes. Best served between 64°F and 68°F.
Technical Information
Varietals: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot
Wine Alcohol: 13.87%
pH: 3.47
