ConnoiSSeur’S
CHoiCe A SELECTION OF TOP WINES TO TRY
1. Meerlust Chardonnay 2019 (Price r280) Very bright, polished platinum with green hue. Complex nose with pear, citrus and floral notes developing into lemon cream, oatmeal and marzipan. Medium-bodied palate, retains citrus fruit flavours and crisp acidity. Remains vivacious and fresh on the finish with clean citrus fruit and stony minerality. The wine has a long, very pleasant lingering finish. Cellar up to 6 years. PAIRING: Grilled fish.
3. Meerlust Red 2019 (Price r227) 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. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot aged in French oak for 17 months. Cellar for 8-10 years. PAIRING: Venison, game, pot roast and noble cheese.
5. Meerlust Rubicon 2017 (Price r455) Very deep, youthful colour, and intense almost purple hue. Quintessential Rubicon nose with violets, ripe plum, cedarwood, fennel and intense spiciness. Liquorice note also evident on the nose. The palate is full-bodied, structured but packed with fresh dark fruit and rounded, linear tannins. Cellar for 15-30 years. PAIRING: Lamb, beef, venison and poultry
2. Anthonij Rupert Optima 2017 (Price r209) Dark fruits and spice on the nose. Cassis, blueberry, violet, touches of cedar, cocoa and tobacco leaf mouthfeel. The palate is soft and spicy with a velvety texture and powdery fine tannins. Rich, rounded and refined, softly appealing and structured. Cellar for 10-15 years. PAIRING: Fillet with mustard and brandy sauce.
4. Delaire Graff Sunrise Brut MCC NV (Price r395) Green-tinged and pale lemon yellow in colour, it displays a fine and integrated mousse with aromas of fresh gooseberry on the nose with citrus notes of lime and grapefruit. The palate is delicate yet complex with subtle hints of vanilla. PAIRING: Biscuit topped chicken potpies, Tandoori kebabs or smoked salmon blinis.
6. Meerlust Merlot 2016 (Price r335) The dark fruit and opulence of the wine is immediately apparent. Intense dark brambly fruit on the nose, mulberry, liquorice and plum with hints of dark chocolate and spice. Medium-full bodied palate with refreshing acidity, structured yet silky tannins. There is a core of juiciness, opulence and richness. Cellar up to 12 years. PAIRING: Red meats, game and strong cheeses. sOUTH AFRICAN CONNOIssEUR
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