Meerlust Estate Red

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Vintage:2020 (Pending)

2018 (Past) | 2019 (Current) |

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Meerlust Estate Red 2020
  • WA 91
  • JS 90

Reviews

The Wine Advocate 91 Points May 9, 2024, Anthony Mueller

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.

JamesSuckling.com 90 Points October 20, 2023, James Suckling

A medium-bodied, fruit-forward red with cherries, raspberries, tobacco leaves and sweet spices. Fine tannins with a core of dark cherries and a joyful, juicy finish. Drink or hold.

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

Every parcel of each variety was fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300-liter barrels and large foudre. After 8 months in oak, the components were blended and given another 8 months in barrel for harmonization before bottling. With its rich flavor profile and carefully selected blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes, the Meerlust Red is a true expression of the estate's commitment to quality and excellence in winemaking.

Tasting Notes

Youthful color, deep and dense with garnet red hue. Red fruit and 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

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: 32% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Franc, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot

Wine Alcohol: 14.28%

pH: 3.52