Merlot 2016

Meerlust, fact sheet (meerlust.co.za – linket fra meerlust.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2016 Meerlust Merlot – område: ikke angivet; 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot; alkohol 14%. Producentens noter (engelsk): Vinification: Grapes hand-picked & selected before crushing. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks with partial un-inoculated fermentation. Daily remontage for gentle extraction. A portion of the wine was given extended maceration on the skins for three weeks before pressing. Malolactic fermentation took place in 300 litre French oak Hogsheads. Maturation in 50% new Nevers French oak, 50% second fill Nevers for 17 months before bottling. The Meerlust Merlot 2016 is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc for structure and acidity and 5% Petit Verdot which gives the wine a lifted floral aroma and polished, sleek tannins. Viticulture: Selected from vineyards of 26 year old Estate-grown Merlot plantings situated on well drained yet clay-rich Oak leaf, Vilafontes and Klapmuts soil. 30% vendage vert (green harvesting cluster removal) at 60% veraison to ensure concentration and even-ripening. Leaves around the bunches were removed 3 weeks before harvesting to ensure physiological ripeness of the berries. Ageing potential: Up to 12 years, provided wine is stored in ideal cellar conditions.