Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon featured image
Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Vintage
Region
Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Country
South Africa
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV
14.5%
Dietary
-
Sustainability
Sustainable Certification
Meerlust Estate
Meerlust Wine Estate is one of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine estates, located in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape and owned by the Myburgh family since 1756. Today, under the stewardship of eighth-generation custodian Hannes Myburgh, the estate is internationally renowned for its pioneering Bordeaux-style blend, Rubicon, alongside a portfolio of elegant, estate-grown wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Crafted from vineyards influenced by the cooling maritime breezes of nearby False Bay, Meerlust wines are celebrated for their balance, complexity and exceptional ageing potential.
As the exclusive Meerlust wine importer in the UK and premium wine distributor, MMD provides direct access to these iconic wines, positioning Meerlust as a benchmark for South African fine wine.
Read MoreViticulture
Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from distinct estate parcels in Stellenbosch. Fruit comes from Compagniesdrift, a warm north-facing slope with weathered granite soils, coarse gravel and sufficient depth for long, even ripening, and the River Terraces, where sandy soils mixed with rounded river stones encourage strong root development. The River Terraces experience the estate?s greatest day-night temperature shift, supporting flavour development, fruit purity and freshness in this classic Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vinification
The wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, drawn from three distinct estate parcels. The blocks were hand-picked, vinified separately and racked directly to barrel for six months, during which the components underwent malolactic fermentation. After this initial maturation, the final selection was made, the components were racked and blended, and the wine returned to barrel for a further 12 months. Maturation took place in French oak, with 50% new barrels.
Vintage Info
The 2020 season followed good winter rainfall and long, uninterrupted cold spells, which replenished water reserves and met the vines? cold requirement. A very dry, hot spring was followed by a more moderate growing season, encouraging even budding and slower than normal ripening. These conditions were particularly beneficial for late-ripening varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing the grapes to develop flavour, structure and balance while retaining freshness.
Tasting Note
Very deep and youthful in colour, with an intense garnet hue. The nose shows dark and red fruit, layered with oyster shell and kelp notes typical of Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is young, intense and structured, with ripe blueberry fruit, elegant tannins and well-integrated oak. Medium to full-bodied, it finishes with dark chocolate, salted liquorice and savoury depth. A classic, elegant vintage with strong ageing potential.
Food Pairing
Pair with roast beef, grilled rib-eye, lamb shoulder, venison, mushroom ragu, hard cheeses, braised short rib, steak pie or chargrilled vegetables.
Bottle Shots - Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
