In the vines Our Merlot is grown on a single vineyard which has produced fantastic wines vintage after vintage since being planted in 1998. The clay-rich soil on which the vineyard is established has a high gravel content which facilitates even drainage. The vineyard is a model of even ripening. Beyond its inherent quality, we give this vineyard a great deal of attention, especially with respect to leaf-plucking, shoot combing, and cluster selection. These actions are done manually two to three times per year during the growing season in order to expose the berries to the sun evenly, to reduce Merlots propensity for over-herbaceous aromas, and to ensure optimal ripening during harvest. The wine We strive for balance between deep, luscious flavours and elegant freshness. Fermented on the skins, the wine is gently pressed and left to 225 litre French oak barriques for 18 months. It is racked twice during this period, and ultimately bottled with minimal intervention. The result is a deep, clear colour with an intense aroma of fruitful ripe plum and a hint of tobacco leaf. The palate is focused with lingering black fruit and robust tannins. This wine pairs wonderfully with game meats such as pigeon, springbok, or kudu. Enjoy confidently through 2024.