Groenland Premium Merlot 2023 — Platter’s 4.5★ (91 pts)
Platter’s 4.5 Stars and 91 points — that’s not us talking, that’s the guide. Ripe mulberry, dark plum and tannins like suede from the Bottelary Hills. This is serious Merlot from serious terroir.
The Story
Groenland has been in the Steenkamp family since the 1930s — four generations of farming the same Bottelary Hills slopes outside Stellenbosch. The late Kosie Steenkamp spent 45 years building the estate’s reputation, and his son Piet now runs the show as fourth-generation winemaker. With 150 hectares and 80% of it under red varieties, this is a red wine estate at heart — and the awards back it up.
The vineyards sit on elevated, south-west-facing slopes in the Bottelary Hills — one of Stellenbosch’s most prized red wine pockets. Clay-rich granite and Malmesbury shale soils give the reds their depth and structure, while cool afternoon breezes from False Bay keep the acidity in check. It’s the kind of terroir that serious wine people get excited about.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep plum-red
- Nose: Generous ripe mulberries, dark plum and a touch of mocha
- Palate: Full-bodied yet approachable with layers of dark berry fruit, vanilla and subtle spice from the oak. Velvety soft tannins give it elegance without the heaviness
- Finish: Long and satisfying with lingering dark fruit
How It’s Made
Hand-harvested from the estate’s premium Merlot blocks on those clay-rich Bottelary Hills slopes. Gently destemmed, carefully fermented, then matured in a combination of French and American oak. The oak adds complexity and depth without getting in the way of the fruit.
Food Pairings
Roast duck with cherry jus, herb-crusted lamb rack, beef bourguignon, or a rich mushroom risotto. Also spot-on with semi-hard cheeses, charcuterie, or a proper Sunday roast.
Awards & Ratings
- Platter’s Wine Guide: 4.5 Stars (91 pts) — “Approachable & moreish, well made, complete, generous ripe & spicy berries borne on suede tannins”
- Vivino Community Rating: 3.8/5
Cellaring: Drink now – 2033
The Bottom Line
Serious Merlot from serious terroir — and the scores to prove it. Exclusively available at Vinty.
