Meerlust Merlot 2022

Meerlust Merlot, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2022

Grapes: A blend of 87% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc

Hand picked from 30 year old vines. It is made up of a few individual parcels that are all fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300 L barrels. After 8 months in French oak barrels (50% new and 50% second fill), the final components were selected and blended and given another 10 months in barrel for harmonisation before bottling.

Producer Tasting Note:

Deep red with purple edges. Typical Merlot characteristics on the nose with ripe plum and dark cherry notes underpinned by some dried herbs and oak spice. The palate is generous, while still delicate on the finish, showing complex cherry tobacco flavours coupled with a fine acidity. This wine shows elegance and fruit purity and, as with all Merlot from the estate, will age gracefully and gain in complexity and suppleness of tannin for many years to come.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"Mint chocolate, dark berries and grilled herbs on the nose of this meaty red. It’s full-bodied with medium-firm tannins. Slightly chewy finish. Drink in 2026." 

90/100 points, James Suckling, September 2025

Food Match: Great with red meats, game and strong cheeses.