Merlot 2020 Case
R1554,00
Whole-berry and natural fermented in open-top wooden fermenters and matured in French oak barrels. Enticing ruby colour, a spice bouquet laced with svelte tannins, creamy mocha, and ripe raspberries. The medium-bodied and intensely flavourful palate delivers a lingering dark chocolate and stewed plum finish and is ideal companion to a hearty beef stew, sticky barbeque ribs or smoked Mozzarella.
100% Merlot
W.O. Elgin
This cool-climate area, situated 12–20 km from the sea, experiences mean February ripening temperatures of 19–20 °C. Soils are predominantly ferruginous, iron-rich gravel over highly weathered Bokkeveld Group shale. The vineyards lie at 200–300 m altitude. Table Mountain sandstone mountains rise 500–1 000 m, surrounding the area and sheltering it from strong summer southeasterly winds.
Vineyards were planted with two clones namely 343 and 348. Grapes were destemmed, with whole berries naturally fermented in open-top wooden fermenters. Punchdowns occurred twice daily. After pressing, the wine was filled into 300 L French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrel, followed by 20 months of maturation.
Brick-red with a ruby core, the wine shows aromas of spice, red fruit, and cassis. The palate is smoky and toasty with fine, grainy tannins. Black fruit and red berries follow on the finish. Elegant and complex, this mature wine has excellent ageing potential.
Enjoy with crispy duck, mushroom galette, salmon or trout.
Alcohol: 14% Total acid: 5.4 Residual sugar: 2.9 pH: 3.65
