Landskroon Merlot 2025

Set on the south-western slopes of the iconic Paarl Mountain, Landskroon has a winemaking history stretching back more than 150 years, with five generations of the De Villiers family shaping the estate and its wines. The combination of Paarl's warm, sunny growing conditions and the mountain-influenced vineyards provides a natural setting for Merlot with ripe fruit, generous weight and good structure. The Landskroon Merlot has traditionally been made in a rich, full-bodied style, with French and American oak used to add spice and texture rather than obscure the fruit. Earlier Landskroon vintages were matured for 12 months in 225-litre barrels, including a small proportion of new oak and older second- and third-fill barrels. The estate entered a new chapter in 2025 when Van Loveren Family Vineyards took over the Landskroon operation, retaining the historic name and Paarl vineyards. The 2025 Merlot therefore sits at an interesting point in the estate's long story: a familiar Paarl style carried into a new generation of stewardship.

Colour: Deep ruby red with a youthful purple hue.
Nose: Ripe plum and dark berry aromas lead, followed by red berry notes and a gentle layer of vanilla, cedar and warming spice from oak maturation.
Palate: Full-bodied and smooth, with generous plum and berry fruit at the centre. The texture is rounded rather than heavy, with supple tannins providing structure and a touch of freshness keeping the wine approachable. Subtle oak spice adds depth without dominating the fruit.
Finish: Smooth and lingering, with ripe plum, dark berries and a delicate spicy-oak note carrying through.