Meerlust Merlot 2008

Meerlust Merlot 2008

I have a soft spot for Merlot.  Its the varietal that started my love affair with wine.  Unfortunately South Africa is not reknowned for the quality of our Merlots.  They’re often thin and attempts at giving it body turns it into a miserable thing with green tannins.  Fortunately Meerlust has been making quality Merlot since 1986, so a lot of sweat and effort has gone into getting it right.  And oh my – how right they got the new release 2008!  The beauty of having paid your dues in the wine making game is that you know that your vineyards are in the right spots and it gives you the opportunity to allow your vines to age properly.  The Merlot vineyards are 27 years old this year, and the age shows on the wine.  Incredible concentration, depth of flavour and beautiful varietal characteristic shows.  Mulberry, chocolate, violets, plums and a fantastic minerality all make up the flavour spectrum.  Obviously still very youthful, it will reward cellaring for up to 10 years.  Look out for it – it retails for roughly R210.