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Meerlust Merlot 2004 |
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VITICULTURE
Selected from 24 year old 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.
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 five weeks before pressing. Malo-lactic fermentation proceeded in 300 litre French oak Hogsheads. Maturation in 60% new Nevers French oak, 40% second fill Nevers for 17 months before bottling. The Meerlust Merlot 2004 is a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc for structure.
TASTING NOTES
Intense, deep plum-black colour with cerise rim. The nose is vivacious with ripe plum, mulberry and creamy fruit with hints of fennel, ink and spices. The palate is rich and opulent, densely packed with ripe Merlot fruit and supported by silky soft, sleek tannins. The wine has excellent length with a lingering aftertaste.
ANALYSIS
Extract : 33 g/l
Residual sugar : 1.7 g/l
pH : 3.66 g/l
Total acidity : 5.44 g/l
Alcohol : 14.38 %
AGEING POTENTIAL
Up to 12 years, provided wine is stored in ideal cellar conditions.
IDEALLY SERVED AT
18° - 19° C
COMPLEMENTS
Red meats, game and strong cheeses
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