Merlot Reserve 2016

Vergelegen, teknisk ark/fact sheet (vergelegen.co.za – linket fra vergelegen.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2016 Vergelegen Merlot Reserve; 86% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot; alkohol 14.8%. Producentens noter (engelsk): Tech sheet: VERGELEGEN RESERVE MERLOT 2016 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 (Oak leaf and Hutton soils), Saddle, Nursery & Stonepine (granites). 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 19 February to 3 March 2016. 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 25 January 2018. COMPOSITION Merlot 86% Cabernet Franc 9% Petit Verdot 5% ANALYSIS Alc 14.80 RS 3.23 g/l TA 5.92 g/l pH 3.53 MATURATION Accessible now but will continue to improve over the next 20 years. Released December 2021.