Meerendal The Heritage Block Pinotage 2015

Stepping up.

Established in 1702, Durbanville property Meerendal is something of an institution although in recent times, the wines have tended to underperform. That changes with the release of The Heritage Block Pinotage 2015 made from a bush vines planted in 1955, this wine not made since 2010.

Fermented in open cement tanks and matured for 16 months in new French oak, the wine is surprisingly refined. The nose shows red cherry, some musky perfume, a touch of vanilla, earth and spice. The palate is medium bodied with good depth of fruit, fresh acidity and firm but fine tannins. It’s understated (alcohol relatively low at 13.29%), harmonious and age-worthy. Price: R350 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

The standard-release Pinotage 2015 (R125 a bottle) is a bit more straightforward. The nose shows a top note of banana before cherries and plums as well as tobacco, earth and spice. It’s medium bodied with fresh acidity and slightly coarse tannins. Pleasantly rustic, it’s what Pinotage was, is and always will be for many people. Price: R125 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 88/100.

Find our South African wine ratings database here.