Meerlust Estate has been the pride of the Myburgh family since 1756. Today, the dedication to quality winemaking continues under the guidance of 8th generation, Hannes Myburgh. Cellar Master, Chris Williams, who has worked on the estate since 1995 has been in charge of winemaking since 2004. The name Meerlust means “pleasure of the sea”, as the property is situated 5km from False Bay (and 15km south of Stellenbosch), with the cooling influence of the coast, allowing the grapes ripen slowly.
Sourced from 4 vineyards on the Estate situated on well drained Oakleaf, Dundee and Swartland soil types which produces the rich textured mouth feel and minerality. The oldest vineyards were planted in 2007 on Cartref soils giving a greater fruit expression. The vineyards are mostly south facing towards the cool Atlantic of False Bay. Crop thinning occurred at pruning and at veraison.
Picking of grapes were done by hand. A team of experienced pickers ensured that only the sound bunches were selected during harvest. Juice was settled overnight and racked with some solids still visible in the juice after racking. Alcoholic fermentation was done in barrel of which 61 % were new and 39% second fill 300 litre barrels. Barrels were inoculated with selected Chardonnay yeast, while some barrels underwent un-inoculated, spontaneous fermentation. After fermentation, the wine was given a racking to remove heavy lees and returned to barrel for malo- lactic fermentation. The wine was barrel matured for 9 months before bottling.
Very bright, polished platinum with green, vivacious hue. Complex, appealing nose with pear, citrus and floral notes developing into lemon cream, oatmeal, and marzipan richness. On the palate the wine is medium bodied and linear but retains generous focused citrus fruit flavours with sleek, balanced, and crisp acidity. The wine remains vivacious and fresh on the finish with clean citrus fruit and stony minerality. The wine has a long, very pleasant lingering finish. Decanting and exposure to air opens the aroma and palate of the wine.
Grilled fish, white and red meat
Serve at 12-14°C.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
100% Chardonnay
Screwcap
13.5%
3.4 g/l
6.6 g/l
Yes
No
