{"product_id":"meerendal-estate-merlot-2023-diners","title":"Meerendal Estate Merlot 2023 (Diners)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"326\" data-end=\"717\"\u003eMeerendal Wine Estate, situated in the rolling hills of the Durbanville Wine Valley just north of Cape Town, is one of the region’s oldest working wine farms. Established in 1702, the estate has more than three centuries of farming and viticultural heritage, with vineyards planted across cool slopes that benefit from steady Atlantic breezes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"326\" data-end=\"717\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"719\" data-end=\"1041\"\u003eThese cooling maritime influences help grapes ripen slowly, preserving natural acidity and allowing for balanced flavour development - a hallmark of many Durbanville wines. At Meerendal, vineyard management and careful cellar work aim to express this cool-climate character while maintaining approachability and structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"719\" data-end=\"1041\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1043\" data-end=\"1378\"\u003eThe Meerendal Estate Merlot 2023 comes from estate vineyards and is fermented using traditional techniques before maturing in French oak barrels for around 12 months, allowing the wine to gain texture and subtle complexity while keeping Merlot’s natural fruit character at the forefront.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1043\" data-end=\"1378\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1437\" data-end=\"1488\"\u003eColour:\u003cbr data-start=\"1448\" data-end=\"1451\"\u003eDeep ruby with youthful purple tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1437\" data-end=\"1488\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1490\" data-end=\"1652\"\u003eNose:\u003cbr data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1502\"\u003eAromas of ripe plum and black cherry lead the bouquet, followed by hints of cedar, vanilla and soft oak spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1490\" data-end=\"1652\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1654\" data-end=\"1885\"\u003ePalate:\u003cbr data-start=\"1665\" data-end=\"1668\"\u003eMedium- to full-bodied with juicy red and dark berry flavours at the core. The texture is smooth and rounded, with soft tannins and subtle notes of vanilla and oak adding depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1654\" data-end=\"1885\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"2028\"\u003eFinish:\u003cbr data-start=\"1898\" data-end=\"1901\"\u003eSilky and approachable, finishing with lingering plum, gentle spice and a touch of oak.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meerendal Wine Estate","offers":[{"title":"RW2302ME01","offer_id":45221661638835,"sku":"RW2302ME01","price":161.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/MeerendalEstateMerlot2023_Diners.jpg?v=1768466391","url":"https:\/\/www.wineofthemonth.co.za\/products\/meerendal-estate-merlot-2023-diners","provider":"Wine of the Month","version":"1.0","type":"link"}