The Merlot vineyards grow on the warm, north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. With an altitude of approximately 250 metres above sea level, together with the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the ripening period can be extended, resulting in wines with phenolic ripeness.
The hand-picked bunches arrive at the winery in the morning. The bunches are sorted, destemmed, after which the berries are sorted again to ensure that only the ripe berries go to the tank. Whole berries are fermented in open top tanks as well as in barrels. Intermittent pump-overs and punch downs ensure a balance between flavour, colour and tannin extraction from the skins. All ferments are meticulously monitored during fermentation to ensure that all the natural aromas and flavours are preserved and highlighted as required. After primary fermentation some batches will be left on the skins for extended maceration as required. The batches are pressed and transferred to a combination of old and new oak for maturation. Each batch of Merlot is maturated separately (micro-vinified) in oak barrels before blending and eventual bottling
Rubied with a violet core. Aromatics of autumn leaves, capsicum and warming ground spice rise like scented smoke, opening to rich, dark fruit: black cherry, blackcurrant, plum. Deeper notes of bay leaf twist in with cinnamon quill, vanilla pod and black tea. Mouthcoating black cherry radiates on the palate, cresting into opulent plum pudding, rich and full, with a touch of almond paste and glacé cherry at the edges. This decadence is held in check by a vivid line of acidity, corseting in the curves and balanced by fine, savoury tannins tapering into a graphite-toned, dry finish.
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Alc 14.28% by Vol. -R.S 2.9 g/l - T.A. 5.9 g/l - pH 3.47
Aged for 14 months in French Oak barrels.
Platter's Guide 2023 - 4 1/2 Stars
