Meerlust Merlot featured image
Meerlust Merlot 2023
Vintage
Region
Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Country
South Africa
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Merlot
ABV
14.5%
Dietary
Vegan, 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 Merlot 2023 is sourced from two of the estate?s four distinctive terroirs. Compagniesdrift is a warm north-facing slope with weathered granite soils, producing wines with expressive fruit and bold structure due to coarse gravel and good soil depth. The Quarry is a cool, windswept foot slope with extremely rocky greywacke and interbedded shales. Its shallow-rooted vines contribute red-fruited detail, length and precision to the final 100% Merlot blend.
Vinification
Meerlust Merlot 2023 is made from 100% Merlot and composed of several individual parcels, each fermented separately. The components underwent malolactic fermentation in 300-litre barrels. After six months in barrel, the final components were selected and blended before returning to barrel for a further 12 months of maturation. The wine was aged in French oak, with 40% new barrels, supporting structure, texture and complexity before bottling.
Vintage Info
The 2023 growing season began mild and dry, benefiting earlier-ripening varieties and limiting berry size and yields, which supported concentration in the red wines. The ripening period was generally cool, helping early cultivars while creating challenges for later-ripening varieties. Rapid flavour development allowed most vineyards to be harvested before significant rains arrived. The vintage produced bright, flavourful wines with good extraction, balanced pH and acidity.
Tasting Note
Deep ruby red in colour. The nose shows ripe black plum, dark cherry and dried herbs, underpinned by dark chocolate and oak spice. The palate has a concentrated dark-fruit core, balanced by lifted acidity and a delicate finish. Medium to full-bodied, it combines intensity, fruit purity and polished structure, with the freshness and concentration of the 2023 vintage. It will gain complexity and tannin suppleness with further ageing.
Food Pairing
Pair with roast duck, lamb cutlets, beef fillet, mushroom pasta, pork belly, lentil dishes, grilled aubergine, mature cheeses or herb-led Mediterranean cooking.
Bottle Shots - Meerlust Merlot 2023
