Tasting notes:
Brick red colour with crimson edge. Typical Merlot characteristics on nose with ripe plum and dark cherry notes underpinned by some dried herbs and oak spice. The palate is plush while still delicate on the finish, showing complex cherry tobacco flavours coupled with a fine acidity. This wine shows the intensity and concentration of the 2018 vintage and as with all Merlot’s from the estate, will age gracefully and will gain in complexity and suppleness of tannin for many years to come.
Reviews:
4½ Stars (93 points), Platter’s South African Wine Guide, 2023
"Dark-fruited & stately, 2018 displays its quality credentials. Drop of cab franc & petit verdot rein in riper elements, helps create complexity, sophistication. Still embryonic & firmly held, should evolve with reward. 56% new oak, 17 months."
92/100 points Tim Atkin MW, March 2022
"The Merlot blocks at Meerlust are mostly located closer to False Bay to benefit from the cool breezes blowing off the ocean, which is beneficial in a drought year like 2018. Fine, perfumed and elegant, with graphite, cherry and bramble fruit, stylish 40% new oak and a bright, balanced finish." Drink 2023-2030