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Meerlust Merlot 2006 Print E-mail

 

Meerlust Merlot-2004-bottle

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

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. The Meerlust Merlot 2006 is a blend of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc for structure.

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.

ANALYSIS

Extract : 33.37g/l
Residual Sugar : 2.5g/l
pH : 3.71
Total acidity : 6.27 g/l
Alcohol : 13.5 vol%

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