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.

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.

“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!”