{"title":"Last of Our Top 10 Merlots","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"glenelly-glass-collection-merlot-2022-top-10","title":"Glenelly Glass Collection Merlot 2022 (Top 10)","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlenelly 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. \u003c\/strong\u003eThe estate was acquired by Bordeaux winemaking legend May de Lencquesaing, bringing a distinctly French perspective to a South African vineyard environment. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColour: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep ruby red with a dark, youthful core.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNose: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRipe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePalate: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerous 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong and smooth, with lingering dark fruit, chocolate, spiced plum and fine tannins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glenelly","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45573050007731,"sku":"RW2228ME45","price":146.96,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/GlenellyGlassCollectionMerlot2022_Top10.jpg?v=1786694487"},{"product_id":"bein-merlot-reserve-2022-top-10","title":"Bein Merlot Reserve 2022 (Top 10)","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBein Wine is a small boutique estate in the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch, founded by Swiss-born Luca and Ingrid Bein. \u003c\/strong\u003eThe estate is unusual in South Africa for its single-minded focus on Merlot, with one vineyard dedicated exclusively to the variety. The vineyard lies on a cool, south-facing slope with deep, well-drained soils and the moderating influence of the nearby False Bay, helping the grapes develop slowly and retain freshness. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Bein philosophy is centred on understanding Merlot through its individual micro-terroirs. Precision Viticulture is used to identify different zones within the vineyard, with the fruit from the most exceptional site reserved for the Merlot Reserve. The 2022 is a pure Merlot, matured for 24 months in 100% new French oak before further bottle ageing. The result is a Stellenbosch Merlot that combines the richness of the New World with a more restrained, Pomerol-inspired approach to structure and elegance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColour: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep, youthful ruby-purple with an intense, opaque core.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNose: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConcentrated blackberry, blackcurrant and dark cherry lead into layers of ripe dark fruit, complemented by fine French oak, subtle spice and savoury complexity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePalate: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull-bodied and richly textured, with concentrated dark-berry fruit supported by firm, finely textured tannins. The 24 months in new French oak add layers of spice and depth without obscuring the Merlot character. Freshness keeps the wine focused, while its structure suggests that further bottle development will be rewarding.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong and persistent, with dark fruit, gentle oak spice and savoury notes lingering on the palate. The combination of concentration, tannin and freshness gives the finish considerable presence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bein","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45573050237107,"sku":"RW2228ME46","price":400.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/BeinMerlotReserve2022_Top10.jpg?v=1786694794"},{"product_id":"delaire-graff-e-banghoek-res-merlot-2023-top-10","title":"Delaire Graff E.Banghoek Res Merlot 2023 (Top 10)","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelaire Graff Estate sits high on the slopes of the Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch's Banghoek Valley, where elevation, mountain influences and cooler conditions help create wines with freshness alongside concentration.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Banghoek Reserve Merlot comes from some of the estate's oldest Merlot vineyards, making it a particularly focused expression of the variety and its Stellenbosch home. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstate winemaker Morné Vrey combines classical winemaking techniques with a modern approach to precision and elegance. The Banghoek Reserve Merlot is a single-vineyard wine and is matured in French oak, with the estate's published information describing 80% new French oak and 16 months of maturation for the wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColour: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep ruby-red with a dark, youthful core.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNose: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRich aromas of dark plum, blackberry and black cherry lead into subtle notes of spice and oak, adding depth without overwhelming the ripe fruit character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePalate: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull-bodied and generously textured, with layers of ripe berry and dark-fruit flavours supported by fine, silky tannins. The oak contributes gentle spice and savoury depth, while the wine retains enough freshness to keep its considerable weight focused. The structure gives it both immediate appeal and the potential to gain further complexity with bottle age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong and polished, with lingering dark fruit, spice and fine-grained tannins. The finish is persistent without feeling heavy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Delaire Graff","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45573050663091,"sku":"RW2328ME22","price":626.09,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/DelaireGraffE.BanghoekResMerlot2023_Top10.jpg?v=1786694604"},{"product_id":"rainbows-end-merlot-2023-top-10","title":"Rainbows End Merlot 2023 (Top 10)","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRainbow's End is a family-run wine estate in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, with vineyards reaching approximately 540 metres above sea level. \u003c\/strong\u003eThe elevated position is particularly important for the estate's Merlot, as the cooler conditions help retain freshness in a variety that can become overly ripe in warmer South African vineyards. The Merlot is planted on the estate's highest slopes, where the combination of altitude and mountain conditions contributes to its distinctive fruit-driven character. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Malan family - Jacques and his sons Anton and Francois - farm and make the wines at Rainbow's End, with winemaker Anton Malan taking a vintage-by-vintage approach rather than trying to force the wines into a particular Old World or New World style. He adapts the winemaking according to the season and the character of each vineyard block, with the aim of expressing the estate's terroir. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2023 Rainbow's End Merlot is made by Anton Malan and comes from the estate's high-altitude Merlot vineyards. The style is centred on ripe fruit, freshness and well-integrated tannins rather than excessive oak or weight. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColour: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep ruby to crimson, with a youthful, concentrated appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNose: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRipe plum and mulberry lead the aromatics, with blueberries and darker berry fruit adding depth. Subtle spice and savoury notes sit behind the fruit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePalate: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium to full-bodied, with generous, ripe berry fruit and a smooth, velvety texture. Plum, mulberry and blueberry flavours carry through onto the palate, supported by fresh acidity and rounded, fine-grained tannins. The fruit has plenty of concentration, but the cooler Banghoek growing conditions help maintain freshness and definition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong and lingering, with ripe dark berries, plum and gentle spice supported by a fine tannic grip.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rainbows End","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45573051089075,"sku":"RW2328ME23","price":251.3,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/RainbowsEndMerlot2023.jpg?v=1786693917"},{"product_id":"holden-manz-merlot-reserve-2023-top-10","title":"Holden Manz Merlot Reserve 2023 (Top 10)","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHolden Manz Wine Estate lies in Franschhoek, surrounded by mountains and vineyards where the combination of altitude, mountain influence and a relatively cool growing environment helps the grapes retain freshness while developing concentrated fruit. \u003c\/strong\u003eThe estate combines this distinctive terroir with a hands-on approach in the cellar, where careful fruit selection and considered oak maturation are used to produce wines with richness without losing definition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Holden Manz Merlot Reserve 2023 was made by winemaker Emil Kluge and matured in new French oak for around 20 months. The wine reflects the estate's signature style: generous, polished and fruit-driven, but with enough freshness and fine tannin to give it shape and ageing potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColour: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep ruby-garnet with a youthful, concentrated appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNose: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAromatic and expressive, with black cherry, blackcurrant and ripe red fruit alongside fragrant violet and rose notes. French oak brings subtle layers of cedar, cinnamon, clove and incense-like spice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePalate: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerous and full-bodied, with ripe berry and dark-cherry flavours drawing you in from the first sip. The texture is plush and creamy, supported by soft, finely spiced tannins. French oak adds mocha, cedar and roasted-coffee nuances, while the fruit remains at the centre of the wine. The combination gives the Merlot depth and richness without the muscular structure associated with Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong and layered, with dark fruit, graphite, roasted coffee bean and gentle oak spice lingering on the palate. It finishes with richness and depth rather than heaviness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holden Manz","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45573051318451,"sku":"RW2328ME24","price":651.3,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/HoldenManzMerlotReserve2023_Top10.jpg?v=1786694242"},{"product_id":"carmen-stevens-merlot-2023-top-10","title":"Carmen Stevens Merlot 2023 (Top 10)","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarmen Stevens Wines is the independent label of Carmen Stevens, one of South Africa's pioneering winemakers and the country's first Black female winemaker.\u003c\/strong\u003e Rather than being tied to a single estate vineyard, the Carmen Stevens Merlot is a Cape-wide expression, with the producer drawing on carefully selected fruit to create a wine that reflects Carmen's individual style and approach to winemaking. The 2023 vintage is classified as Wine of Origin Coastal Region. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarmen's winemaking philosophy centres on producing wines with personality, balance and a clear sense of fruit. Her Merlot has now earned a place in the Taransaud Hallo Merlot Top 10 for three consecutive vintages, underlining the consistency of the wine while allowing each vintage to express its own character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColour: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep ruby-red with a dark, youthful core.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNose: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2026 Merlot Top 10 judging notes describe a subtle smoky character on the nose, with the fruit initially a little reserved. With air, darker berry fruit begins to emerge, adding depth and interest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePalate: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium to full-bodied, with dark berry fruit supported by chalky, fine-grained tannins. The palate has good length and structure, while well-integrated oak adds savoury depth towards the finish. Fresh acidity provides tension and keeps the wine focused rather than heavy. The judges noted that the 2023 vintage is youthful and powerful and would benefit from further time in bottle.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong and persistent, with berry fruit, subtle oak and a fresh line of acidity carrying through the finish. There is enough tannic structure to suggest that patience will reward the drinker.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Carmen Stevens","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45573051580595,"sku":"RW2328ME25","price":243.48,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/CarmenStevensMerlot2023_Top10.jpg?v=1786694703"},{"product_id":"villiera-monro-merlot-2023-top-10","title":"Villiera Monro Merlot 2023 (Top 10)","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVilliera Wines is a long-established family-owned estate in Stellenbosch, where warm days, cooling influences and the varied soils of the region provide favourable conditions for producing expressive, structured red wines. \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Monro Merlot is Villiera's reserve red, bottled under the historic family name “Monro” as a reflection of the estate's heritage and long-term commitment to the variety. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the 2023 vintage, Merlot was hand-harvested from selected blocks of old vines, with low yields helping to concentrate the fruit. The grapes were destemmed, with 70% crushed and the remainder kept as whole berries. After fermentation and extraction, the wine matured for 18 months in French oak, 65% of which was new oak, before blending and bottling. The result is a Stellenbosch Merlot that combines ripe berry fruit with oak-derived spice, texture and structure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColour: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep ruby-red with a concentrated, youthful core.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNose: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAromas of ripe dark berries and plum lead into chocolate, vanilla and gentle spice. The nose is initially somewhat reserved, gradually revealing more complexity as the wine opens in the glass.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePalate: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull-bodied and concentrated, with dark berry and plum flavours carried by a smooth, velvety texture. French oak adds layers of chocolate, spice and vanilla, while firm but refined tannins provide grip and shape. Fresh fruit acidity keeps the wine focused and gives the substantial palate definition rather than heaviness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong and persistent, with dark fruit, savoury oak and spice lingering alongside a firm tannic grip. The combination of fruit, acidity and structure suggests that the wine will continue to evolve with bottle age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Villiera","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45573051678899,"sku":"RW2328ME26","price":303.48,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/VillieraMonroMerlot2023_Top10.jpg?v=1786694053"},{"product_id":"lavenir-provenance-merlot-2024-top-10","title":"L'Avenir Provenance Merlot 2024 (Top 10)","description":"","brand":"L'Avenir","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45573051908275,"sku":"RW2428ME10","price":114.78,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/L_AvenirProvenanceMerlot2024_Top10.jpg?v=1786694145"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.wineofthemonth.co.za\/collections\/last-of-our-top-10-merlots.oembed","provider":"Wine of the Month","version":"1.0","type":"link"}