Meerlust Red 2018

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.

The high proportion of Cabernet Franc indicates the great quality that this variety showed in 2018, the Merlot adding suppleness and juicy fruit. The wine has an intense, dark purple color with a violet rim; bright and vivacious in the glass, 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 flavors of crushed black fruit, cassis, vanilla and dark chocolate. The tannins are soft and silky, the acidity fresh, the flavor profile focused and linear. The wine has a persistent and long-lasting aftertaste. 56% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Franc.

Pairing: Venison, game, pot roast and noble cheese

Ageing Potential: 8-10 years from vintage date.

Blend Information: 43% Caberbet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

About The Harvest: The grapes were handpicked.

In The Cellar: 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% 1^st fill French Oak, 45% second fill and 9% 3^rd fill.