Meerlust Estate Red
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Vintage:2019 (Current)
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Reviews
The Wine Advocate
91 Points
July 31, 2023, Anthony Mueller
“Sadly, there is no Rubicon in 2019, as all the parts were declassified. Thankfully, the 2019 Meerlust Red was blended from 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The nose is juicy and ripe with fresh red fruit tones, turned earth and soft brown baking spices before showing delightfully dusty flowers that lift the bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, this is rich, precise and focused, offering a balanced structure with a firm tannic edge, while flavors of red cherry skin and spiced plums sway over the long, lingering and spicy finish. The wine aged in 46% new French oak for 17 months. 180,000 bottles were produced. This may be the best bottling of Meerlust Red yet!”
Tim Atkin
92 Points
September 2021, Tim Atkin MW
“There was no Rubicon release in 2019, so all of the fruit went into the Meerlust Red instead, making it a very tasty second wine. Cabernet Sauvignon-led, with a supporting cohort of 57% Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this is a perfumed, detailed, well-balanced red with violet and tobacco leaf notes, red berry flavours and good acidity for a 2019. 2022-27.”
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 grapes were fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in new and seasoned oak, before selection, blending and bottling. The 2019 Meerlust Red was barrel aged for 17 months in 46% 1st fill French Oak, 45% second fill and 9% 3rd fill.
Tasting Notes
The wine has an intense, dark purple color with a violet rim. Bright and vivacious in the glass, very youthful. The nose is expressive with powerful cassis, plum, exotic spice and hints of floral aromas. On the palate the wine is medium bodied with intense flavors of crushed black fruit, cassis, vanilla and dark chocolate. The tannins are very soft and silky with fresh acidity and a focused, linear flavour profile. The wine has a persistent and long lasting aftertaste.
Harvest Notes
The vineyards were green-harvested during veraison to reduce yield and increase concentration, tannin ripeness and fruit definition.
Food Pairing
Complements venison, game, pot roast, and noble cheese. Best served between 64°F and 68°F.
Technical Information
Varietals: 43% Caberbet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
Wine Alcohol: 14%
pH: 3.61