Meerlust Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2022 750ml
DescriptionHieronymus stands as Elephant Hill's flagship wine, a Bordeaux-inspired blend that captures the essence of Hawke's Bay's extraordinary potential for premium red wine production. Named after Hieronymus Bosch, this wine is as complex and thought-provoking as the artist's work, presenting layer upon layer of flavor and texture that unfold with patient contemplation. The blend, predominantly Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, showcases the synergy possible when exceptional vineyard sites meet meticulous winemaking. The nose is immediately impressive, offering ripe blackcurrant and black cherry alongside more complex notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and dark chocolate, with subtle hints of dried herbs and graphite adding intrigue.
The palate reveals the true class of this wine, with a density and concentration that speaks to low yields and careful selection. Black fruit flavors dominate—cassis, blackberry, and plum—but these are beautifully integrated with savory elements of olive tapenade, espresso, and leather. The oak influence is substantial but perfectly judged, adding layers of vanilla, cinnamon, and toast without overwhelming the fruit. Tannins are firm yet polished, providing a structural backbone that promises excellent aging potential while remaining approachable in youth. The texture is particularly impressive, with a velvety entry that builds through the mid-palate to a powerful yet elegant finish.
What distinguishes Hieronymus from other premium New Zealand reds is its sense of completeness and sophistication. This is a wine that manages to be both powerful and refined, offering immediate hedonistic pleasure while possessing the complexity to evolve and improve over the next decade or more. As it opens in the glass, additional notes emerge—violet, licorice, and a hint of mint—creating an ever-changing sensory experience. The finish is remarkably persistent, with flavors echoing for well over a minute. This is a wine for special occasions, perfect alongside prime beef, lamb rack, or aged cheeses. Hieronymus represents not just Elephant Hill's ambition but the maturation of Hawke's Bay as a world-class wine region capable of producing reds that stand confidently alongside the best from Bordeaux or Napa Valley.
