Meerlust Merlot 2016

Technical Analysis

Winemaker - Chris Williams
Main Variety - Merlot
Alcohol - 14.0 %vol
pH - 3.59
RS - 3.2 g/l
Total Acid - 5.8 g/l
Appellation - Stellenbosch

Characteristics

Type - Red
Style - Dry
Body - Full
Taste - Fruity


Tasting Notes

Tasted late in 2018, the 2016 Meerlust Merlot was already showing great approachability and charm. The dark fruit and opulence of the wine is immediately apparent. We have been refining the viticulture to produce more balanced, flavourful fruit. Intense dark brambly fruit on the nose, mulberry, liquorice and damson plum with hints of dark chocolate and spice, tempered by a stony minerality. The medium-full bodied palate offers generous, ripe, pure Merlot fruit with refreshing acidity, structured yet silky tannins and pronounced length and minerality. There is a core of juiciness, opulence and richness typical of the variety, while the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot lend greater complexity to the wine.

Ageing Potential

Up to 12 years, provided wine is stored in ideal cellar conditions

Blend Information

Merlot

Food Suggestions

Red meats, game and strong cheeses. Ideally served at 18°C – 19°C

In The Vineyard

Selected from vineyards of 26 year old Estate-grown Merlot plantings situated on well drained yet clay-rich Oak leaf, Vilafontes and Klapmuts soil. 30% vendage vert (green harvesting cluster removal) at 60% veraison to ensure concentration and even-ripening. Leaves around the bunches were removed 3 weeks before harvesting to ensure physiological ripeness of the berries.

About The Harvest

Grapes hand-picked and selected before crushing.

In The Cellar

Grapes hand-picked & selected before crushing. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks with partial un-inoculated fermentation. Daily remontage for gentle extraction. A portion of the wine was given extended maceration on the skins for three weeks before pressing. Malolactic fermentation took place in 300 litre French oak Hogsheads. Maturation in 50% new Nevers French oak, 50% second fill Nevers for 17 months before bottling. The Meerlust Merlot 2016 is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc for structure and acidity and 5% Petit Verdot which gives the wine a lifted floral aroma and polished, sleek tannins.


Other Vintages

Wine Wine Maker Main Variety
Meerlust Merlot 2021 Altus Treurnicht Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2020 Altus Treurnicht Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2018 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2017 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2016 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2015 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2014 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot Collector`s Tin 750ml Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2013 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2012 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2010 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2008 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2007 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2006 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2005 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2004 Chris Williams Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2001 Giorgio Dalla Cia Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 2000 Giorgio dalla Cia Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 1999 Giorgio dalla Cia Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 1998 Giorgio Dalla Cia Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 1997 Giorgio Dalla Cia Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 1996 Giorgio Dalla Cia Merlot
Meerlust Merlot 1989 Giorgio Dalla Cia Merlot

  +27.218433587       +27.218433274       shop@meerlust.co.za
Meerlust Estate Baden Powell Drive P.O. Box 7121 , Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa