Nose
This “pretty” Merlot is very floral and perfumy, but also shows aromas of red berry fruits, cedar and pencil shavings. Notes of tobacco leaf, rose petal, raspberry and coconut are ever present as the wine breathes.
Palate
Layers of dark, ripe berry fruits integrate beautifully with supple tannins and hints of toasty oak. The soft, approachable mouth feel is compli-mented well with firm acidity, with a fair amount of alcohol adding great complexity.
Growing Conditions
After a cool vintage in 2011, we were fortunate to experience a much warmer 2012 and, of course, it made growing conditions much more favorable and winemakers a lot happier! We were able to let out Merlot hang for longer period of time, to ensure ripe, jammy fruit at harvest.
Winemaking
Intense fruit and innovative wine making techniques during crucial stages of fermentation delivered fruit - forward Merlot. Only the best barrels from 4 different vineyard lots were chosen and then blended together prior to bottling. These unique sites, with each own specific terroir, bring complexity and balance to our Merlot.
Aging
Much needed barrel aging in 100% French oak for 22 months.
Food Pairing
This Merlot was made for wild duck with risotto, lamb burgers and biltong (a South African beef snack) with blue cheese.
