2022 · Chardonnay

Plaisir de Merle is a historic estate in Paarl, Western Cape, at the foot of the Simonsberg, established in 1693 by French Huguenot Charles Marais. Its heritage manor, completed in 1764, remains a declared heritage site. Since 2021, Michael and Rose Jordaan have served as custodians, following decades under Distell ownership. The estate combines still wines, Cap Classique sparkling wines and Grand Plaisir flagship bottlings, with winemaking expertise from Niel Bester and past advice from Paul Pontallier. Its environmental focus includes regenerative agriculture, eco-corridors, native fynbos restoration, invasive-species removal and water conservation, alongside efforts to preserve indigenous flora and fauna.