Meerlust Chardonnay featured image
Meerlust Chardonnay 2024
Vintage
Region
Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Country
South Africa
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Chardonnay
ABV
13%
Dietary
Vegetarian
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 Chardonnay 2024 is sourced from two estate terroirs. Compagniesdrift is a warm north-facing slope with weathered granite soils, coarse gravel and sufficient depth for long, even ripening. The blocks are among the highest on the estate and benefit from cool nights and an afternoon sea breeze. The Quarry is a cool, windswept foot slope with rocky greywacke and interbedded shales, producing Chardonnay with citrus character, precision, length and mineral detail.
Vinification
Grapes were picked by an experienced team to ensure optimal fruit selection. After pressing, the juice was settled overnight, then racked with some fine solids to fermentation vessels. A combination of 30% new, 33% second-fill and 32% third-fill 300-litre barrels was used, with 8% fermented in concrete tank. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts and natural spontaneous fermentations. The wine was matured until the desired mouthfeel and complexity were achieved, then lightly fined before bottling.
Vintage Info
The 2024 season followed a cold, wet winter in 2023, replenishing groundwater and supporting even budding. High rainfall caused flooding and cooler conditions in September, slowing the start of the growing season. The remainder of the season was dry, with strong winds during flowering helping maintain healthy canopies. Warmer January and February conditions brought earlier ripening, requiring careful picking of Chardonnay to preserve freshness. The lighter crop delivered excellent concentration, fruit intensity and balanced ocean-influenced expression.
Tasting Note
Bright pale yellow in colour, with a green, vivacious hue. The nose is complex and appealing, showing pear, lemon zest, yellow apple, white floral notes and hints of toasted almond. The palate is well structured and linear, with generous stone fruit, sleek acidity and a balanced, crisp profile. Medium-bodied, it remains fresh and precise on the finish, with clean citrus fruit, mineral detail and long, lingering persistence.
Food Pairing
Bright pale yellow in colour, with a green, vivacious hue. The nose is complex and appealing, showing pear, lemon zest, yellow apple, white floral notes and hints of toasted almond. The palate is well structured and linear, with generous stone fruit, sleek acidity and a balanced, crisp profile. Medium-bodied, it remains fresh and precise on the finish, with clean citrus fruit, mineral detail and long, lingering persistence.
Bottle Shots - Meerlust Chardonnay 2024
