Glenelly Glass Collection Merlot 2022 (Top 10)

Glenelly Estate sits on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, where the combination of mountain influence, elevation and varied soils provides a natural setting for structured, age-worthy red wines. The estate was acquired by Bordeaux winemaking legend May de Lencquesaing, bringing a distinctly French perspective to a South African vineyard environment. The Glass Collection Merlot is made at Glenelly Estate, with the winemaking team led by winemaker Luke O'Cuinneagain. The fruit for the 2022 vintage was hand-sorted and lightly crushed before a three-day cold soak and natural fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Extended skin contact of two to three weeks builds colour and structure, followed by malolactic fermentation in French oak and 12 months of maturation in French oak barrels. The result is a Merlot that combines ripe Stellenbosch fruit with the structure and restraint associated with Glenelly's Bordeaux influence. The Glass Collection itself has a particularly interesting connection to Glenelly's heritage. The labels feature pieces from Madame May de Lencquesaing's extensive personal collection of antique and contemporary glass, now housed in the Glass Museum at Glenelly Estate.

Colour: Deep ruby red with a dark, youthful core.
Nose: Ripe dark fruit leads the way, with black cherry and plum followed by hints of dark chocolate and gentle spice. Subtle oak adds warmth without obscuring the fruit.
Palate: Generous and concentrated, with ripe plum, dark cherry and blackberry flavours supported by fine, well-structured tannins. The wine has a rich, rounded texture, while fresh acidity keeps the palate focused. Twelve months in French oak contributes subtle spice and chocolate notes, with the oak integrated into the fruit rather than dominating it.
Finish: Long and smooth, with lingering dark fruit, chocolate, spiced plum and fine tannins.