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Meerlust Merlot 2005 |
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SOIL TYPE
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. Fermented in stainless steel tanks with partial uninnoculated fermentation. Daily remontahe and delistagefor 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 2005 is a blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc for structure.
TASTING NOTES
Deep, youthful purple colour with a ruby rin. A typical Merlot nose with juicy plum and mulberry fruit, lifted spiciness and hints of dark chocolate and inkiness.
The palate offers generous, ripe, pure Merlot fruit with refreshing acidity, structured yet silky tannins and pronounced length and minerality.
ANALYSIS
Extract : 33
Residual sugar : 2.5 g/l
pH : 3.56
Total acidity : 6.5 g/l
Alcohol : 14 %
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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