2022 Vintage u2014 Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa

Steenberg, founded in 1682 as the very first farm in the Cape’s cool, ocean-influenced Constantia valley, is one of South Africa’s most historic estates. While the property is best known for its precise, sea-breeze-driven Sauvignon Blancs and Cap Classique sparkling wines, its red programme has matured into something distinct u2014 reds that share the estate’s hallmark Constantia freshness rather than aiming for inland-style ripeness.

The Steenberg Merlot is single-varietal, drawn from estate vineyards on the cooler maritime flanks of the property. Hand-harvested and gently extracted; fermented in stainless steel for fruit precision then matured for around 18 months in French oak (a modest share new) to add structure without dominating. Bottled with restraint to keep the maritime cool-climate signature intact.

The 2022 release shows ripe black cherry, plum and a touch of cassis on the nose, lifted by a Constantia-typical herbal-mineral edge u2014 fennel, bay leaf and crushed pencil shavings. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with fine, dusty tannins and a clean cool-climate acidity that keeps it lively to the finish. A more elegant, food-friendly Merlot than the South African norm u2014 excellent with roast lamb, mushroom risotto, or rare beef.