The Meerlust Estate Merlot is a complex, sumptuous South African wine. Produced in the verdant vineyards of Stellenbosch, it boasts an alluring deep, youthful colour. On the nose, it exudes a powerful aroma of dark fruit, spicy plum, and subtle hints of chocolate. Upon tasting, the palate is rewarded with opulent flavours of juicy blackcurrants and wholesome plums. This full-bodied Merlot is incredibly well-structured with balanced tannins, making it a delight to sip. Aged in oak barrels, it brings a lingering, poised finish. The Meerlust Merlot wine is an excellent choice for special occasions and gourmet dining.

Tasting Notes

Tasted late in 2018, the 2016 Meerlust Merlot was already showing great approachability and charm. The dark fruit and opulence of the wine is immediately apparent. We have been refining the viticulture to produce more balanced, flavourful fruit. Intense dark brambly fruit on the nose, mulberry, liquorice and damson plum with hints of dark chocolate and spice, tempered by a stony minerality. The medium-full bodied palate offers generous, ripe, pure Merlot fruit with refreshing acidity, structured yet silky tannins and pronounced length and minerality. There is a core of juiciness, opulence and richness typical of the variety, while the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot lend greater complexity to the wine.

About the Winery

Established in 1756, Meerlust Estate stands as a testament to the viticulture heritage in the shadow of the Helderberg Mountains in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Awash with a stunning allure and beauty, the estate covers 110 hectares, with a sprawling manor house, classic wine cellar, and several prime vineyards that contribute to the estate's spellbinding charm.

Boasting a rich lineage of over eight successive generations of winemakers, Meerlust Estate is renowned for crafting flagship wines that authentically depict their place of origin. This is made possible due to the property's proximity to True Bay which allows for a definitive maritime influence, ideal for cultivating fine wines.

Predominantly, Meerlust is celebrated for its elegant Bordeaux-style reds, particularly its Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are layered with complex flavours that unfurl beautifully in the glass. The Rubicon too, a Bordeaux-style blend wine is a significant part of their portfolio, earning them admiration among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts around the world.

The wine cellar, dating back to circa 1776, is not just beautifully preserved, it is fully functioning and home to narrow, oak-lined corridors where aromatic barrels are systematically ageing to perfection. The stunning manor house, reminded of a Dutch gable design, enchants one with its whitewashed walls that dazzle under the African sun.

They also offer an intimate, luxurious tasting experience for guests. Pairing their captivating wines with the astounding views of the vineyards and mountains, it's an experience for all the senses.

Visiting Meerlust Estate is not only a journey into the heart of South Africa’s winemaking history, but also a wonderful opportunity to taste and experience wines of profound quality that honour their prestigious past and augurs a bright, promising future; a visit to this place is an experience to remember.

It's no surprise that Meerlust Estate continues to charm its guests, both locals and visitors from abroad, with its timeless elegance, tantalizing wines, and amiable hospitality. Long may it's legacy continue.

http://www.meerlust.co.za

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