Meerlust Red is the baby brother to the more expensive and world-renowned Rubicon. This bargain red has a lot of class at a very attractive price. Think of this as the Awatea equivalent from Te Mata.
Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"Youthful colour, deep and dense with garnet red hue. Red fruit and warm spice on the nose with some supporting oak notes. Still young and intense, the palate is full-bodied, structured but packed with fresh red fruit and soft rounded tannins.
The 2020 Red is a blend of Merlot (32%), Cabernet Franc (31%), Cabernet Sauvignon (29%) and Petit Verdot (8%), every parcel of each variety was fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300 L barrels and large Foudré. After 8 months in oak, the components were blended and given another 8 months in barrel for harmonization before bottling. With its rich flavour profile and carefully selected blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes, the Meerlust Red is a true expression of the estate's commitment to quality and excellence in winemaking."
Reviews for the 2019 vintage below…
92/100 Greg Sherwood MW, Wine Safari (2019 Vintage)
"The 2019 Meerlust Red is a blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Initially a little reticent on opening, this wine quickly sheds its broody, sulky, spicy veil to reveal a wonderfully complex aromatic array of black plum, black berry compote, orange peel, Christmas pudding over hints of pressed violets, sweet cedar spice and graphite nuances. The palate is plush and fleshy from the word go, showing an open knit, expressive opulence of red currant, bramble berry, black currant, sweet oak spice, black tea and a sleek texture that simply embraces the palate and makes you go back again and again for another sip. Refreshingly vibrant and impressively generous, I suspect this wine will age surprisingly well for over 10+ years even though it’s simply a cracking drinker right now on release. Hats off to the entire Meerlust crew."