Merlot Reserve 2001

Vergelegen, teknisk ark/fact sheet (vergelegen.co.za – linket fra vergelegen.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2001 Vergelegen Merlot Reserve; 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Producentens noter (engelsk): Tech sheet: RESERVE MERLOT 2001 Origin All the grapes sourced from Vergelegen from our ìKopland, Stonepine, Korhaan and lower ìSchaapenbergî vineyards. Two clones were used, a French Bordeaux clone and the Italian clone. Vinification The fruit is picked at peak physiological ripeness to avoid adding acid or extracting hard tannins. Fermentation took place at 28?C and lasted 7 days. Further maceration of 2 weeks took place before the new wine was run off into barrels for malolactic fermentation. The Merlot received 5 rackings in total to aid the evolution of the tannins. The wine was matured for 20 months in small French oak barrels. Only 50% of the barrels were new. Composition 85 % Merlot 15 % Cabernet Franc Analysis 15 % Alc 4.2 g/l RS 6.2 g/l TA 3.34 pH Maturation Accessible after one-year bottle maturation but will last at least 6 ñ 8 years Tasting Note Ripe plum with ruby rim. The nose shows ripe fruit flavours, spice and a touch of chocolate. The ripeness of the fruit is balanced by a fresh fruit acid and soft wood/fruit tannins. The aftertaste is long and lasting.