‘EXCELLENT’ Merlot they found, but not one of the Top 10 in Winemag’s 2021 Prescient Report was regarded as ‘outstanding’ – none rated higher than 92/100 by the panel comprising editor Christian Eedes (chair), merchant James Pietersen of Cape Town’s Wine Cellar and Ndabezinhle Dube, F&B manager at the President Hotel in the Mother City. “Merlot’s crucial characterisitc is arguably its smooth texture, and there were plenty of wines in a softer, more accessible style,” says Eedes. “However, wines of real weight and flavour intensity are still the exception rather than the norm.”

Among Winemag’s favourites, the De Grendel (Durbanville) and Shannon Mount Bullet (Elgin) are remarkable for their good track records, and the Mountain Ridge (Wolseley) stands out as the only one at under R100 a bottle – albeit the price at a cellar in the Breedekloof 130km from Cape Town (national delivery fee R150 per case). For the full report, click here.

RECOMMENDED BY WINEMAG

De Grendel Merlot 2019
R160pb ex-cellar in Panorama, Durbanville

Dornier Merlot 2018
R160pb ex-cellar, Helderberg-Stellenbosch

Jordan Black Magic Merlot 2018
R190pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch Kloof

Mischa La Famille Merlot 2019
R110pb ex-cellar, Wellington

Mountain Ridge Merlot 2018
R85pb ex-cellar, Wolseley

Plaisir de Merlot 2018
R180pb ex-cellar in Simondium, Paarl

Shannon Mount Bullet 2018
R495pb ex-cellar, Elgin

Stellenbosch Reserve Merlot 2019
R160pb at Guardian Peak, Helderberg-Stellenbosch

Vergelegen Reserve Merlot 2016
R270pb ex-cellar, Somerset West

Vondeling Merlot 2018
R160pb ex-cellar in Voor-Paardeberg, Paarl