(100% MERLOT)
VINEYARDS
The grapes for this delicious wine originate from a vineyard we call the Spice Block. A steep, Southwest-facing slope of primarily granite but with a touch of gravel and some clay to flesh it out. The vines are nearing twenty years of age and moderate crops ensure that the wine has a wholesome body and intense flavour. Picking is done by hand and the berries are sorted to remove any unwanted green matter.
VINIFICATION
Upon arrival at the cellar, the grapes are pre-chilled before processing. Once chilled they are gently destemmed, and the berries cold-soaked for two days before natural fermentation begins. A combination of whole and crushed berries allows for a slow, gentle extraction of tannins and an intense, fruit-driven profile. Fermentation takes place in open-top fermenters and extraction is encouraged by hand plunging. After fermentation, extended maceration on the skins is allowed for a week. Extended maceration allows the wine components to interact for longer and achieve greater harmony. The wine is then drained to 300Lt French oak barrels and the skins are pressed in a traditional wooden basket press. Malolactic fermentation takes place in the barrel after which the wine is racked and returned to the barrel for at least one full year. After 18 months in barrel, the wine is bottled and matured briefly before being released.
TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING
The wine has a deep, ruby-red colour . The nose is engaging. Bursting with raspberry, red cherry, and a subtle hint of oyster shell salinity, Tea leaf, and tobacco. The palate is fresh and sublime with cigar box, vanilla, and some hints of smoky oak. Exceptionally fine tannin. The finish is elegant, long, and lingering. Our Merlot pairs wonderfully with tomato-based pasta, Tandoori chicken, and barbequed lamb chops. Drink through 2029.
Accolades
2020 Vintage:
2023 Taransaud Hello Merlot Top 10
2023 Platter’s Guide- 4.5 Stars (90 Pts-Good Value)
2019 Vintage:
2022 Top 10
2022 Platter’s Guide- 4 Stars
2022 Gilbert Gaillard – Double Gold (91pts)
2021 Vintage:
2024 Platter’s Guide-4.5 Stars
2022 Vintage:
2025 Platter’s Guide-4.5 Stars
2018 Vintage:
2021 Platter’s Guide – 4 Stars
2021 Winemag -92 pts
2021 Tim Atkin -89 pts
2017 Vintage:
2021 Platter’s Guide – 4 Stars
2018 Michelangelo Awards – Gold Medal
2020 Veritas – Silver
2018 Tim Atkin 92 Points
2020 Winemag 90 Points
Analysis
pH 3.53
Total Acidity 5.7 g/l
Residual Sugar 4.0 g/l
Alcohol 14.0 %
