Meerendal new releases

Wade Roger-Lund, previously of Jordan, became winemaker and general manager at Durbanville property Meerendal during the middle of last year and his first wines are starting to reach the market. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Meerendal Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R100
Pear, peach, citrus and nectarine on the nose. The palate shows pure fruit and zesty acidity before a dry finish. Not without weight, this should have broad appeal. Alc: 13.5%

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Meerendal Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R100
Grapes from a Philadelphia vineyard planted in 1996. Fermented with a neutral Champagne yeast and matured for seven months, 60% in tank and 40% in barrel. Compelling aromatics of pear, peach, floral perfume, hay and dried herbs while the palate is taut and focused – pure fruit, snappy acidity and a super-dry finish. Great linearity and a more serious offering than the price would suggest. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Meerendal The Chapel Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R195
Grapes from a single block planted in 2004. Matured for nine months in 500-litre barrels, 60% new. Peach and green melon with notes of hay and floral perfume in the background. The palate is seamless – good fruit density, not too thick-textured, the acidity well integrated and the finish gently savoury. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Meerendal The Loft 2023
Price: R195
50% Pinotage, 26% Merlot and 24% Shiraz. Plum, cherry and floral perfume on the nose while the palate is juicy and fresh with fine tannins, the finish uncompromisingly dry. Appealing and accessible. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 90/100. 

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