A fragrant red, with dried mint, bay leaf and cigar box notes wafting through the ripe black currant, hot stone and apple wood smoke. This is long and well-meshed, layering the creamy profile with sculpted tannins and balsamico acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2035.

This Chardonnay has weight and energy. It opens with aromatic patisserie spices, but chamomile and citrus fruit dominate the palate, alongside crisp acidity.

Pale yellow. Very, very light apple smell. When cold and first opened, the wine was curiously mute and introvert. I wrote, 'A gentle little wine, trying to be as small and unnoticeable as possible.' But three days later it was much more vibrant and interesting, showing peppery curds, pomelo sherbet, frangipani and a bit of buttery oat biscuit. The acidity at a slight angle, but it gives the finish cut. Definitely don't serve too cold.

Bright red fruit, tart with juiciness; darker bramble fruit, smudged with dustiness. The acidity sticks out a little (like the Cabernet) and the tannins are more rustic. It's pleasant and robust, but just a wee bit scrappy. 

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.