Reserve Merlot 2021
R330.00
Indulgent notes of chocolate with a velvety soft finish.
From diverse vineyard blocks on the estate, rooted in ancient soils, our Merlot embodies the rich tapestry of our terroir. Aromas of ripe plum, intertwined with indulgent dark chocolate and subtle nutmeg notes, with a velvety soft finish.
Serve with tomato based dishes like pizza, stews or soup.
ORIGIN
Sourced from north- and north-westerly vineyards where the slope has flattened somewhat, leading to a higher clay content in the soil. This gives the Merlot greater buffering capacity against stressful conditions.
VINIFICATION
The grapes were hand-picked and sorted, transferred to stainless steel tanks, and cold-soaked for 2 days for soft extraction. They were inoculated with 3 yeast strains. A combination of pump-overs was used for extraction (closed and open). Depending on the extraction site, pump-overs were stopped at various times during the ferment. The wine was left in contact with the skins post-ferment for delicate tannin manipulation. Malolactic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, after which the wines went to barrel – a combination of 225l and 300l barrels for 12 months of ageing before blending and bottling.
ANALYSIS
Alc: 14.5%
PH: 3.42
TA: 5.9 g/l
RS: 3.3 g/l
MATURATION
This wine can age for 7-8 years from vintage.
Vergelegen Merlot 2016
- Winemag/Prescient Report – 91 (Top 10)
- Platter – ’90 – 4½ stars
Vergelegen Merlot 2015
- Atkin – 92
- Platter – ’93 – 4½ stars
Vergelegen Merlot 2014
- Atkin – 92
- Platter – ’92 – 4½ stars
Vergelegen Merlot 2013
- Atkin – 92
- Martin – 86
- Platter – ’92 – 4½ stars
Vergelegen Merlot 2012
- Tanzer – 89
- Atkin – 92
Vergelegen Merlot 2011
- Tanzer – 91