Merlot Reserve 2015

Vergelegen, teknisk ark/fact sheet (vergelegen.co.za – linket fra vergelegen.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2015 Vergelegen Merlot Reserve; 100% Merlot; alkohol 14.6%. Producentens noter (engelsk): Tech sheet: VERGELEGEN RESERVE MERLOT 2015 TASTING NOTES Ripe plum colour with a ruby rim. The nose shows ripe fruit flavours, black cherries, plum, spice and a touch of chocolate. The ripeness of the fruit is balanced by fresh fruit acidity and soft wood/fruit tannins. The aftertaste is long and lasting. ORIGIN The grapes were all selected from the Vergelegen vineyards; the Merlot from Rooiland and Stonepine and the Cabernet Franc from Rondekop. VINIFICATION The fruit was picked at peak physiological ripeness to avoid the necessity of adding acid and prevent the extraction of hard tannins. Picking took place from 23 February to 3 March 2015. Fermentation took place at a consistent 25°C. The young wine was left to macerate on its skins for a further 7 weeks before pressing. Malolactic fermentation was induced in stainless steel tanks and was followed by maturation in 225l French oak barrels for 16 months before bottling on 18 January 2017. COMPOSITION Merlot 100% ANALYSIS Alc 14.57 RS 2.50 g/l TA 6.3 g/l pH 3.42 MATURATION Accessible now but will continue to improve over the next 20 years. Released December 2019.