Red Wine Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. The origins of the Meerlust estate date back to 1693 when German immigrant Henning Huising settled here. No doubt the stunning setting on a granite outcrop just 5km from False Bay inspired him to name it Meerlust” or pleasure of the sea”, and this location has also proven fortuitous for the Myburgh family who have been making exceptional wines here for 8 generations. Conditions are ideal for premium winemaking thanks to the proximity to the ocean which supplies cooling breezes even during full summer. Combined with ample sunshine and warmth, this helps ensure a long, slow ripening season for the grapes. The fruit for this punchy Cabernet is carefully selected and hand harvested from two mature vineyards which are strictly managed to give low yields. Once in the winery the grapes are vinified according to traditional methods and just the free-run wine is used for this particular cuvee. After fermentation the young wine is aged in 70% new French oak barrels for 17 months. This helps add gentle warm spice and toasted notes to the intense dark plum, cassis and berry notes from the grape. There’s also the classic fennel and licorice notes that are typically associated with Meerlust Cabernet, making it a great wine to serve with herby lamb or earthy game dishes.
2017
Red Wine Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Red Wine Meerlust Merlot 2017. The Meerlust estate has been in the Myburgh family since 1756 and is today in the capable hands of the eight generation, Hannes Myburgh. The historic manor house lies 15km to the south of Stellenbosch and just 5km from False Bay, making this an ideal spot for premium South African winemaking. Evening mists and cooling ocean breezes help to cool down the vineyards during the hot summers, enabling the grapes to ripen slowly and fully. This attractive Merlot is typical of the Meerlust style with plenty of delicious fruit underpinned by smooth tannins and a solid structure. The fruit for this wine is carefully selected and harvested by hand from 27-year old vines, with a small amount of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot added to give polished tannins and additional complexity. In the glass you’ll immediately notice the intense dark plum and berry notes along with undertones of chocolate, dried herbs, and cherry liqueur. On the palate there’s a generous full body, solid core of dark fruit, and a well-balanced finish with hints of warming spice and toast from the 17 months of ageing in new and used French oak barrels. Great for sharing amongst family and friends at casual gatherings or enjoying alongside charcuterie and hard cheeses.
2017
Red Wine Meerlust Rubicon 2017. German immigrant Henning Huising was so struck by this idyllic spot on a granite outcrop some 5km from False Bay that he decided to name his new estate Meerlust” or pleasure of the sea”. In 1756 it was purchased by the Myburgh family who have owned it ever since, passing it down to the eight generation, Hannes Myburgh, who studied winemaking in Germany and previously worked at Chateau Lafite in Bordeaux. Rubicon is their flagship wine and shows clear influence from Hannes’ earlier experiences in France both in terms of vineyard management and vinification. Predominantly made from Cabernet Sauvignon along with smaller amount of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the fruit comes from mature vineyards which are over 20 years old. Each variety is planted on the most appropriate soils, with the Cabernet on decomposed granite gravel and Merlot on richer clay soils. Hannes ferments the varieties separately and then ages the wine in 60% new French oak barrels for 8 months. He then makes the final blend and lets the wine rest in the barrel for another 10 months. The result is a complex and serious Bordeaux-style blend which punches high above its price tag, bursting with rich fruit flavours, smooth tannins, and enticing hints of spice and toast on the long finish.
2017