Description
Tasting Note
The nose offers an abundance of bright red berry fruit, with its aromas of ripe plums, fresh cherry and liquorice and whiffs of pink peppercorn and menthol. The palate is smooth and round, with juicy cranberry, mulberry and blackcurrants following through and fresh yet integrated acidity creating balance. The wine is medium-bodied, with soft and creamy tannins and well-integrated oak adding to the supple, soft midpalate. Cardamom spice and hints of mocha linger on a gentle finish.
Vineyard & Winemaking
The Vinologist’s journey to discover single-origin Merlot begins with Franschhoek. Merlot buds and ripens early, which exposes the fruit to the dry heat of February and March. Franschhoek’s climate is characterized by significant fluctuations of day and night-time temperatures. The steep mountains surrounding the valley means relatively short periods of direct sunlight exposure. These conditions allow the Vinologist to harvest grapes which have had the benefit of longer hang-time on the vineyards, resulting in a distinctive Merlot with concentrated red fruits, gentle leafy aromas and soft tannins. Minimal cellar intervention allows for pure varietal and fruit expressions. The Franschhoek origin Merlot is a clear example of how a “Wine with Origin” comes alive in the bottle.
Technical Analysis
- Alcohol: 14.38% vol
- RS: 3.4 g/l
- TA: 4.70 g/l
- pH: 3.78
- W.O. Franschhoek
