Le Bonheur Stellenbosch Merlot

The name Le Bonheur originates from the past, as in the eighteenth century it was a meeting place for traders and buyers of various goods. It brought Cape Town, Paarl, and Stellenbosch together, and every merchant found peace in the picturesque landscape. The natural springs, magnificent mountains, and vegetation are a fairytale experience, something they have enjoyed since the eighteenth century. Inspired by this, the original owner, Jacob Isak De Villier, founded the winery decades ago. With respect for nature, the winery boasts one of the highest vineyards in Stellenbosch, and this is reflected in the fine wines.

The Merlot harvest at The Manor Meander

At the foot of the slopes of Klapmuts Hill in Stellenbosch lie the old Merlot vineyards of Le Bonheur. Here, the original owner, Jacob Isak De Villier, planted his first Merlot vines in the eighteenth century. The old land is rich in diverse soil types, which benefits the quality of the Merlot grapes. The ripening process is very even because the Merlot grapes in The Manor Meander vineyard receive plenty of sunshine but also sufficient coolness. This coolness comes from the wind that blows across the mountain through the vineyard. This way, the grapes retain their natural freshness and prevent overripening. The harvest is carried out entirely by hand to select only the finest Merlot bunches for this red Le Bonheur wine.

The aroma and taste of the Le Bonheur Stellenbosch Merlot

The juice is of exceptionally high quality, and the winery is proud of that. The juice is stored for several months in the Le Bonheur cellar and pumped over regularly and very carefully. This gives this Merlot greater depth and richness in aroma and flavor. As soon as we open this bottle of Merlot, we smell the South African sun, abundant black fruit, and some light spice. These aromas are enhanced upon pouring, and this red wine also reveals nuances of cedarwood and dark chocolate. The palate is very smooth on the palate, with plenty of richness of black fruit, light spice, cocoa, and a touch of fresh plum. The silky finish contributes to the beautiful finale of this red wine.