Tasting Notes
Intense, vivid translucent youthful purple-ruby appearance. On the palate there are very pure Pinot fruit flavours on entry with red cherry and musk flavours coupled with fresh acidity. The wine has layered complexity with great elegance and finesse. Very fine lacy, almost powdery tannin on the finish.
Ageing Potential
Up to 2018, provided wine is stored in ideal cellar conditions.
Food Suggestions
Ideally served at 16°-18°C. White and red meats, Parma ham, grilled line fish, Tuna, wild mushrooms and traditional cheeses.
In The Vineyard
Selected from 3 clones of Pinot Noir with an average age of 17 years old, situated on loamy gravel topsoil with clay sub-soil.The vineyards are located at the highest point on the Estate (85-120m) with South facing aspect to benefit from the cool, maritime breeze from False Bay. 30% vendage vert (green harvesting cluster removal) at 60% veraison to ensure concentration and even ripening.
About The Harvest
Grapes handpicked and selected in the coolness of morning before partial de-stemming and crushing.
In The Cellar
Fermentation in small stainless steel cuvees with regular pigeage for gentle extraction. Partial un-innoculated fermentation before pressing directly into French oak tight grained Hogsheads for malo-lactic fermentation. After racking, the wine was matured in 55% new Allier Hogsheads and 45% second fill Hogsheads for 11 months before bottling.
Additional Information
2012 was a standout vintage for Pinot Noir at Meerlust with the wines showing pronounced lifted perfume on the nose with red berry fruit, musk, wild mushrooms and hints of savoury richness and spice and a clean vibrant minerality.
