This year’s Merlot Report sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient attracted 55 entries received from 45 producers and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.
The Top 10 emerged as follows:
92
De Grendel 2019
Plaisir de Merle 2018
Vondeling Barrel Selection 2018
91
Dornier 2018
Jordan Black Magic 2018
Vergelegen Reserve 2016
90
Mischa La Famille 2019
Mountain Ridge 2018
Shannon Mount Bullet 2018
Stellenbosch Reserve Kweekskool 2019
“Merlot’s crucial characterisitc is arguably its smooth texture and there were plenty of wines in a softer, more accessible style,” says Christian Eedes, panel chairman and Winemag.co.za editor. “However, wines of real weight and flavour intensity are still the exception rather than the norm.”
To read the report in full, including key findings, tasting notes for the top wines and scores on the 100-point quality scale for all wines entered, visit Winemag.co.za.
Join the conversation on Twitter: @Winemag #MerlotReport #SAFineWine #Top10
Wines are available for online purchase via boutique wine retailer Dry Dock Liquors alternatively a mixed six-pack of the Top 10 via Wine of The Month Club.