The 2020 Meerlust Red is a blend of 33% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot. It showcases a vibrant palate of flavors, including red cherry, juicy raspberry and blackberry, all balanced with fine tannins. The wine exhibits succulent acidity, a food-friendly finish and a fuzzy, graphite tannic edge. Nicely executed, this blend speaks to the art of winemaking. After eight months of aging in oak, the components were blended and further aged for an additional eight months in barrels. This is a large production of 150,000 bottles.

The 2020 Rubicon is composed mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in lesser proportions. The wine marks a triumphant return, after no Rubicon was released in 2019. The wine is densely fruit-forward, tightly wound and dusty, with clean aromatics that round out its robust character. It features a balanced, elegantly powerful palate with refreshing tannins and consistent acidity that keeps everything in check. The finish is notably food friendly, echoing with nuances of lead pencil. After eight months in the barrel, the components were blended and aged for an additional 10 months in barrels.

A harmonious, medium-bodied white, with a creamy mesh of creamed apple, lemon curd, toasted hazelnut and lime blossom notes. Shows good length and a pleasing roundness on the palate, with a fresh, spiced finish. Drink now through 2029. 

Meerlust’s estate sits in the southwestern corner of Stellenbosch, open to the winds off of False Bay. This wine is dominated by its toasty oak when first opened, in need of at least a day of air to integrate all that richness and bring forward a delicate, pale florality nestled in a green-apple-skin tannic bite. It lasts beautifully—open it the day before a dinner party and track its evolution a splash at a time until the guests arrive.

Dark berries, dried herbs, cedar and dried spices on the nose following through to full body with firm tannins. Rich core of dark berries at the center with a grippy texture around the edges and a compact, chewy finish. Try after 2024.