Meerlust Pinot Noir 2017

Producer Information

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.

Vineyards

Selected from 3 clones of Pinot Noir with an average age of 21 years old, situated on loamy gravel topsoil with clay sub-soil.The vineyards are located at the highest point on the Estate (85-120m) with South facing aspect to benefit from the cool, maritime breeze from False Bay. 30% vendage vert (green harvesting cluster removal) at 60% veraison to ensure concentration and even ripening.

Winemaking

About 20% whole bunch ere used in the fermentation in small stainless steel cuvees with regular pigeage for gentle extraction. Partial un-innoculated fermentation before pressing directly into French oak tight grained Hogsheads for malo-lactic fermentation. After racking, the wine was matured in 50% new Allier Hogsheads and 50% second fill Hogsheads for 11 months before bottling.

Vintage Information

2017 was a perfect vintage for Pinot Noir on the estate, being generally cool with no rain during harvest. Grapes handpicked and selected in the coolness of morning before partial de-stemming and crushing.

Tasting Note

Intense, vivid translucent youthful purple-ruby appearance. The wine shows pronounced lifted perfume on the nose with red berry fruit, musk, wild mushrooms and hints of savoury richness and spice and a clean vibrant minerality. . On the palate there are very pure Pinot fruit flavours on entry with red cherry and musk flavours coupled with fresh acidity. The wine has layered complexity with great elegance and finesse. Very fine lacy, almost powdery tannin on the finish.

Food Pairing

White and red meats, parma ham, grilled line fish, tuna, wild mushrooms and traditional cheeses.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at 16-18°C.

Press

John Platter: 4.5/5

Winemag.co: 92 POINTS

Stellenbosch, South Africa
100% Pinot Noir
Cork
12.4%
2.2 g/l
5.4 g/l
Yes
No

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