Vergelegen Reserve Merlot 2016
R280.00
Ripe plum colour with a ruby rim. The nose shows ripe fruit flavours, black cherries, plum, spice and a touch of chocolate. The ripeness of the fruit is balanced by fresh fruit acidity with soft wood and fruit tannins. The aftertaste is long and lasting.
ORIGIN
The grapes were all selected from the Vergelegen vineyards; Rooiland and Stonepine.
VINIFICATION
The fruit was picked at peak physiological ripeness to avoid the necessity of adding acid and prevent the extraction of hard tannins. Picking took place from 19 February to 3 March 2016. Fermentation took place at a consistent 25°C. The young wine was left to macerate on its skins for a further 7 weeks before pressing. Malolactic fermentation was induced in stainless steel tanks and was followed by maturation in 225l French oak barrels for 16 months before bottling on 25 January 2018.
COMPOSITION
Merlot – 86%
Cabernet Franc – 9%
Petit Verdot – 5%
ANALYSIS
Alc 14.80%
RS 3.23 g/l
TA 5.92 g/l
pH 3.53
MATURATION
Accessible now but will continue to improve over the next decade.
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
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