Meerlust Estate Red 2022

Meerlust Estate Red 2022 is a beautifully balanced Bordeaux-style blend that reflects the character and heritage of the renowned Meerlust Estate. Crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this elegant wine offers vibrant fruit, refined structure and exceptional drinkability while retaining the unmistakable Meerlust style.

Product Story

Originally introduced in 1985 as the declassified selection of Meerlust’s iconic Rubicon, Estate Red has developed into a celebrated wine in its own right. Today, it also serves as a showcase for younger vineyard parcels as they mature towards inclusion in future Rubicon vintages.

The grapes originate from Meerlust’s four distinctive terroirs, each contributing unique characteristics to the final blend. Granite slopes provide structure and power, river terraces deliver freshness and fruit purity, rocky shale vineyards add precision and elegance, while the clay-rich lowlands contribute silky texture and concentrated black fruit.

Each variety was vinified separately before completing malolactic fermentation in 300-litre French oak barrels and large foudres. After eight months of oak maturation, the components were blended and matured for a further eight months to achieve harmony and balance.

Tasting Notes

Meerlust Estate Red 2022 displays a youthful ruby-red colour with a garnet hue.

The nose reveals expressive aromas of fresh red and black berries, warm spice and subtle oak notes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and beautifully structured, with vibrant fruit, soft rounded tannins and a long, elegant finish that reflects the quality of the exceptional 2022 vintage.

Style: Full-bodied, elegant and balanced
Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot
Alcohol: 13.87%
pH: 3.47
Total acidity: 5.7 g/l
Residual sugar: 2.9 g/l
Oak maturation: 16 months in French oak barrels and large foudres
Origin: Stellenbosch
Vintage: 2022
Ageing potential: 5–8 years
Serving temperature: 16–18°C

Food Pairing

Meerlust Estate Red pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, roast lamb, beef stew and slow-cooked short ribs. Its elegant structure also complements mature cheeses, charcuterie and hearty Mediterranean dishes.

Origin: Stellenbosch

Meerlust Estate is one of Stellenbosch’s most prestigious wineries, renowned for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines with exceptional consistency and ageing potential.

The estate’s unique combination of granite slopes, river terraces, shale soils and clay-rich vineyards creates wines with remarkable complexity, freshness and balance.

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