Meerlust Estate
Meerlust Merlot

VITICULTURE
Selected from 25 year old,Eatate-grown Merlot plantings situated on clay-rich Oakleaf, Vilafontes and Klapmuts soil. 40% vendage vert (green harvesting cluster removal) at 60% veraison to ensure concentration and even-ripening
Varietals:  85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc , 5% Petit Verdot
VINIFICATION:
Grapes hand-picked & selected before crushing. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks with partial uninnoculated fermentation. Daily remontage and delistage for gentle extraction. A portion of the wine was given extended maceration on the skins for three weeks before pressing. Malolactic fermentation proceeded in 300 litre French oak Hogsheads. Maturation in 60% new Nevers French oak, 40% second fill Nevers for 19 months before bottling. 
TASTING NOTES
Deep, youthful purple colour with a ruby rim. A typical Merlot nose with juicy plum and mulberry fruit, lifted spiciness and hints of dark chocolate and ink. 
The palate offers generous, ripe, pure Merlot fruit with refreshing acidity, structured yet silky tannins and pronounced length and minerality. 
Vintage: 2017