Weather vagaries and Meerlust’s exacting quality requirements determine that not every vintage is worthy of our flagship red blend Rubicon. Thus is born, in rare years, our collector’s Meerlust Red 2019. The Red 2019 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot aged in French oak for 17 months. Intense fresh red fruit combines with floral, spicy notes in a medium-bodied wine with a soft, silky texture for immediate enjoyment or up to 8 years’ bottle maturation.
Ageing Potential: 8-10 years from vintage date
43% Caberbet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. All the vineyards were green harvested during veraison to reduce yield, increase concentration, tannin ripeness and fruit definition.
Food Suggestions: Venison, game, pot roast and noble cheese
Soil Type: Decomposed granite mixed with clay
The grapes were handpicked
The grapes were fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in new and seasoned oak, before selection, blending and bottling. The 2019 Meerlust Red was barrel aged for 17 months in 46% 1st fill French Oak, 45% second fill and 9% 3rd fill
The wine has an intense, dark purple colour with a violet rim. Bright and vivacious in the glass, very youthful. The nose is expressive with powerful cassis, plum, exotic spice and hints of floral aromas. On the palate the wine is medium bodied with intense flavours of crushed black fruit, cassis, vanilla and dark chocolate. The tannins are very soft and silky with fresh acidity and a focused, linear flavour profile. The wine has a persistent and long lasting aftertaste.