Merlot 2020

Meerlust, fact sheet (meerlust.co.za – linket fra meerlust.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2020 Meerlust Merlot – område: Stellenbosch; 87% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc; alkohol 14.9%. W.O. står ikke på arket; druerne er ifølge arket fra godset, som ligger i Stellenbosch. Producentens noter (engelsk): Season: Good rainfall during the winter and long uninterrupted cold spells meant reserves where adequately replenished and cold requirement easily met. A very dry and hot spring followed by a moderate growing season resulted in even budding and slower than normal, even ripening – especially beneficial for our late ripening varieties. Vinification: This wine consists of 87% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. It is made up of a few individual parcels that are all fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300 L barrels. After 8 months in barrel, the final components were selected and blended and given another 10 months in barrel for harmonization before bottling. Terroir: Our Merlot is a true expression of the variety as grown on the Meerlust estate and draws fruit from two of our four distinctive terroirs. Each terroir provides a unique element to the final blend. Compagniesdrift - The soils from this warm north facing slope are predominantly formed from weathered granite. The wines originating from this granitic hilltop are expressive and bold in structure, mainly due to the coarse gravelly texture and sufficient soil depth to promote long and even ripening. The Quarry - The extremely rocky terrain consisting of greywacke with interbedded shales provides a unique substrate for vines. Shallow rooted vines on this cool and windswept foot slope leads to wines with characteristic red fruit with exceptional length, detail, and precision.