Meerlust Merlot 2022 vs Ontanon Gran Reserva Rioja 2015
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £30.99 | £30.99 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 1 merchant |
| Producer | Meerlust | Ontanon |
| Style | Red | Red |
| Grape | Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot | Tempranillo |
| Region | Stellenbosch | Rioja |
| Country | South Africa | Spain |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy |
Meerlust Merlot 2022
Meerlust Merlot is a refined, plush and beautifully structured red from one of Stellenbosch's most historic and celebrated estates, crafted from 27-year-old estate vines on well-drained, clay-rich soils and matured for 18 months in 300-litre barrels. Rated 93 points by both the Platter Guide 2024 and Tim Atkin's South African Report 2023, this is Stellenbosch Merlot at its most elegant and age-worthy. Why You'll Love It Meerlust Estate has been owned by the Myburgh family since 1756, and under the guidance of eighth-generation Hannes Myburgh and Cellar Master Chris Williams, the estate combines centuries of tradition with modern winemaking expertise to craft wines of real elegance and longevity. The cooling maritime influence of False Bay slows ripening and preserves natural acidity, while meticulous vineyard management, including 30% vendange verte at 60% veraison and leaf thinning three weeks before harvest, ensures concentrated, evenly ripe berries of exceptional quality. Vineyard & Production Sourced from 27-year-old estate vines planted on well-drained Oak Leaf, Vilafontes and Klapmuts soils. Individual parcels are hand-harvested and fermented separately in small fermenters, followed by malolactic fermentation in 300-litre barrels. After 8 months in barrel the parcels are blended and aged for a further 10 months to achieve balance, harmony and complexity before bottling. Tasting Notes Brick red with crimson edges. The nose shows typical Merlot character with ripe plum and dark cherry, complemented by dried herbs and subtle oak spice. The palate is plush yet delicate, with layered cherry and tobacco notes, fine acidity and a long, refined finish. This wine displays the intensity and concentration of its vintage and will age gracefully, gaining complexity and suppleness over time. Perfect Pairings A natural partner for red meats, game and strong cheeses. Also excellent with slow-braised lamb, duck confit and hearty stews. The Blend Merlot 86%, Cabernet Franc 11%,
Ontanon Gran Reserva Rioja 2015
Bodegas Ontañón Gran Reserva is a top-class expression of Rioja at its most refined — a wine that has earned its time and rewards every minute of it. From the La Pasada vineyard at 700–800 metres altitude in Rioja Oriental, Tempranillo and Graciano are aged for 36 months in oak and a further 24 months in bottle before release, producing a Gran Reserva of genuine finesse, complexity, and elegance. Why You'll Love It Bodegas Ontañón is a fifth-generation family winery, and this Gran Reserva is the pinnacle of their craft. Siblings Raquel and Rubén Ontañón continue a tradition of producing wines that are as expressive as they are age-worthy — and the 2015 vintage, now with a decade of development behind it, is drinking beautifully. If you're looking for a special-occasion Rioja that delivers real gravitas without the grand cru price tag, this is it. Vineyard & Production Sourced from the La Pasada vineyard at 700–800 metres altitude in Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja). The blend of Tempranillo and Graciano matures for 36 months in a combination of American and French oak barrels, followed by a further 24 months in bottle before release — allowing full integration, complexity, and the kind of seamless polish that only time can deliver. Tasting Notes Beautifully developed aromas of dark fruit, red cherry, spice, tobacco, and mocha. The palate is layered and structured — black fruit, spice, and subtle toasty oak, supported by smooth, fully resolved tannins. The finish is long, elegant, and deeply satisfying. Perfect Pairings A wine made for the table. Excellent with roast meats, fine cured ham, Iberian charcuterie, and mature cheeses. Also a natural match for slow-roasted lamb, venison, or a classic beef Wellington. The Blend Tempranillo 85%, Graciano 15% — DOCa Rioja Oriental, Spain. 36 months oak, 24 months bottle. La Pasada vineyard. 75cl bottle.
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