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Merlot 2023 (Pre-Release)

Merlot 2023 (Pre-Release)

Regular price R 195.00
Regular price Sale price R 195.00
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Our Merlot 2023 is a refined expression of Cape Town Merlot, grown on the slopes of the Tygerberg just 7 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean. Shaped by moderate temperatures and an early harvest, this vintage brings together richness, freshness and elegance, with the soft, generous character that has made De Grendel Merlot such a long-standing favourite.

Deep ruby red with flashes of garnet, it opens with inviting aromas of black cherry, ripe plum and sweet raspberry, layered with notes of cedar, liquorice, tobacco leaf and subtle lavender. The palate is velvety and generous, revealing juicy dark berry fruit, gentle spice and finely integrated tannins, supported by careful maturation in French oak.

Beautifully balanced with a long, polished finish and lingering hints of mocha, this is a wine made for slow-cooked lamb, roast meats, duck, wild mushroom dishes and rich, comforting flavours. Elegant enough for special occasions, yet effortlessly enjoyable around the table.

Enjoy with: Roast Chicken, Shepherd’s Pie

Tasting Notes: Currants, Tobacco, Liquorice

Awards

2022
Michelangelo Wine Awards 2025 Gold

2021
James Suckling 2023 92 Points
Michelangelo Wine Awards 2024 Gold
Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards 2025 Gold

2020
James Suckling 2022 92 Points
Veritas Awards 2022 Gold

2019
James Suckling 2021 92 Points
Michelangelo Wine Awards 2021 Gold
Winemag Merlot Report 2021 Top 10

2018
Platter's Guide 2021 4 Stars
Winemag Merlot Report 2020 90 Points

2017
Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards 2020 Gold
Winemag Merlot Report 2020 Top 10

2016
South African Wine Index 2018 Platinum
The Sommeliers Selection 2018 - Elegant/Classy Reds
Vitis Vinifera Awards 2017 Gold
Vitis Vinifera Awards 2018 Gold

2014
SA Terroir Wine Awards 2016 Area Winner

2013
The Sommeliers Selection 2015 - Elegant/Classy Red

2012
Vitis Vinifera Awards 2014 Gold
South African Airways Listings 2015 Premium Class
Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards 2015 Double Gold

2011
Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards 2014 Gold
Veritas 2014 Gold

2010
Michelangelo Int Wine Awards 2013 Gold
Six Nations Wine Challenge 2013 Gold
Veritas 2013 Double Gold

2009
Veritas 2012 Gold

2007
Veritas Gold

2006
Platter’s 4 Stars
SA Terroir Wine Awards National Certificate for Top Merlot
Veritas Gold

Free Delivery

Delivery is FREE for orders of 12 or more bottles in South Africa.

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  • Tasting Notes

    Deep ruby red in colour with flashes of garnet, this cool-climate Merlot offers an inviting bouquet of black cherry, ripe plum and sweet raspberry, layered with notes of cedar, liquorice, tobacco leaf and subtle lavender. The palate is velvety and generous, revealing juicy dark berry fruit, gentle spice and finely integrated tannins. A long, polished finish lingers with hints of mocha. Beautifully balanced, the wine combines richness, freshness and elegance in a refined expression of Cape Town Merlot.

  • Food Complements

    Try this Merlot with duck pancakes with hoisin and pickled cucumber, wild mushroom and truffle arancini, slow-cooked lamb kofta with pomegranate glaze, or even dark chocolate chilli mole brownies. Its soft tannins love rich umami, spice, and earthy-sweet contrasts layers.

  • Vintage

    The winter season started earlier than usual, and March was a very wet month. Véraison started in the first week of January. Harvest was also early – 11 days earlier than the previous year – and stopped fourteen days earlier than in 2022. The temperatures were moderate with few heat waves. The bunches and berries were much smaller and compact this year.

Technical Tasting Sheets

Click below to download the latest technical tasting sheet for this wine, or click here for older vintage tasting sheets.