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Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
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Technical Analysis
Accolades
4 ½ Stars 2021 Platter’s South African Wine Guide
Classic 17 (94 pts) already flaunting cab’s sweet blackberry fruit, gentle opulence, also freshness; all safely secured by usual bracing structure , fine & ripe, but leaving no doubt time is required to harmonize. Oak, 70% new French, seamlessly absorbed.
93 pts Tim Atkin MW 2021
Notwithstanding the 14.5% alcohol, this 40% new wood-aged Cabernet is driven by acidity. Sourced from various blocks on clay, granite, shale and alluvial soils, it’s floral and graceful, with some stony grip and notes of orange zest, cassis and red berries. Classy stuff. 2023-29
The Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 has an intense, vivid purple colour with slight gradation at the rim. On the nose the wine shows pronounced plum and classic cedar wood-cigar box notes with lifted dark fruit aromas. There is the characteristic hallmark aromas of fennel and liquorice associated with Meerlust Cabernet. On the palate the wine is full bodied but with richness of fruit and supple tannic structure typical of 2017. Already approachable in youth but the intensity, harmony and balance all promise maturation over the next.
Pairing: Roast meat and game. Ideally served at 18ºC – 20ºC.
Ageing Potential: Although approachable now the Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 will be best from 4 – 15 years from vintage
Blend Information: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
In The Vineyard: The Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 was vinified from selected fruit from 2 low-yielding mature vineyards. The vines are densely planted on well drained, gravelly, low vigour Vilafontes and Dundee soil which has approximately 15 % clay to ensure water availability to the vines roots right through the growing season.
About The Harvest: The fruit was hand-picked into small crates so as not to damage berries.
In The Cellar: The hand picked fruit was vinified in the traditional manner with partial un-inoculated fermentation and regular remontage. Only the free-run wine was used and aged for 17 months in tight grained French oak barrels. 70% of the barrels were brand new with 30 % second fill casks.
