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.

This is a wine with a long and beloved following that was first made in 1980. The Meerlust 2021 Stellenbosch Rubicon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Dark fruit layers are interwoven with grilled herb and earthy tones, supported by firm tannins and a notably lean mouthfeel. The estate’s gravelly, granite-derived soils naturally emphasize freshness and tension, giving Rubicon its classical frame, even in riper vintages.

Not yet bottled, the 2023 Hermitage Domaine Des Tourettes offers brilliant aromatics of cassis, graphite, violets, smoked herbs, and a kiss of blood orange on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied and has a concentrated, layered, pure mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It picks up a beautiful floral character with air and shines for its beautiful overall balance, finesse, and elegance.

Not yet bottled, the 2023 Hermitage Les Bessards offers up pure cassis, liquid violets, white pepper, and crushed stone on the nose, showing that classic Bessards burning embers and violet character. It's medium to full-bodied, has a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It's still tight and compact, and I suspect the cellar will be your friend.

Cassis, liquid violets, classy oak, and a hint of graphite all emerge from the 2023 Saint Joseph Sainte-Epine, and it's medium-bodied, with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel and ripe, polished tannins. As with everything from this estate today, it's flawlessly balanced and has sensational purity.