Merlot Meerlust, Stellenbosch
Interesting Facts
Merlot harvested from 24 year old vines grown on clay soils such as Oakleaf, Vilafonte and Klapmuts with good drainage. 40% of the bunches were cut by green harvesting a month before the main harvest, so that the remaining 60% of the berries received uniform ripening and proper concentration. 3 weeks prior to collection, a “defocus” was held in order to guarantee proper physiological maturity of the berries. Completely manual collection and careful selection before entering the vats. A small portion of wine was macerated on the skin for 3 weeks before pressing. Wine is aged in barrels from Never forests, 60% of barrels are new, 40% of the second passage, aging time is 17 months. This wine consists of 85% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Frana for structure and acidity, and 7% Petit Verdot give florality and refined tannins. Development potential up to 12 years.
