Merlot 2020

Meticulous attention in the vineyard and cellar combine to produce a wine with textured fruit purity and tantalisingly firm yet balanced tannins.

PRODUCTION


Alcohol 14.0 vol % | Sugar 2.6 g/l | TA 5.2 g/l | pH 3.57 | TSO2 63 mg/l | FSO2 15 mg/l

The vineyard aspects range from North - East to North-West, against rugged mountain slopes, ranging from 100m to 400m above sea level. Eight blocks of Merlot are planted on different sections of Eagles’ Nest which make up a total of 4.1ha. Based on the varying altitudes and undulations of these blocks, and the different meso-climate and micro-climates the vines are exposed to, various small batches of grapes were individually picked and processed, to produce distinct and individual Merlot components. Ultimately creating a complex and layered wine. Each of the respective components were hand-picked and cooled down before processing. Grapes were then hand sorted and crushed into various small to medium sized open top fermenters. Pump-over’s were performed three to four times per day, these practices being determined by twice daily tastings of the tanks. Following fermentation the free run wine was drawn off and the skins pressed separately. The wine was then racked into first, second and third fill French oak barrels. Six different cooperages were used, each specifically chosen to compliment the different nuances of this very complex wine. During maturation, the wine was racked twice. After 18 months in maturation, select barrels were racked to tank and blended, and allowed to harmonise before bottling in December 2021.

TASTING NOTES

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