Technical Analysis
Optimal vine ripeness and canopy management, in particular, are key to producing a seamless Amatra Merlot that is perfectly suited to the Elgin Valley.
Tasting note
Generous, opulent core of ripe black plums from the Merlot component with underlying savoury, lead pencil shavings from Cabernet Franc fruit. Tannins are dry and suedey on the finish. This vintage 67% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc
Vinification details
Bunches are destemmed and crushed after meticulous bunch and berry sorting on the sorting tables to remove matter other than healthy berries. Fermentation is completed in tank and once primary fermentation is completed; the mash is pressed in a small basket press. The wine is then decanted to small French oak casks for secondary Malo-lactic fermentation and left to mature for 16 months. The final barrel selection is made and blended where it is lightly filtered to bottle.
AWARDS
Platter: 4*
Tim Atkin MW: 91 pts
Tasting video
With owner and winemaker Cathy Marshall.
Technical Analysis
Optimal vine ripeness and canopy management, in particular, are key to producing a seamless Amatra Merlot that is perfectly suited to the Elgin Valley.
Tasting note
Old single trellised Merlot vines from the Polkadraai area in Stellenbosch exudes bright, fresh black plums. Generous purple fruit flavours are supported by a vibrant thread of lead pencil shavings from the elevated vineyards in Stellenbosch. The wine is harmoniously balanced with opulently textured mid- core palate weight. This vintage 86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc
Vinification details
Clusters were de-stemmed and partially crushed after stringent sorting to remove unwanted berries and other matter. Spontaneous fermentation occurred in small fermentation vats for fourteen days and once primary fermentation was completed, the mash was pressed in a small basket press. The wine was then decanted to small French oak casks for secondary Malo-lactic fermentation and left to mature for 12 months. The final barrel selection was made and taken through a light filtration prior to bottling.
AWARDS
Platter: 4*
Technical Analysis
Optimal vine ripeness and canopy management, in particular, are key to producing a seamless Amatra Merlot that is perfectly suited to the Elgin Valley.
Tasting note
Old single trellised Merlot vines from the Polkadraai area in Stellenbosch exudes bright, fresh black plums. Generous purple fruit flavours are supported by a vibrant thread of lead pencil shavings from the cool climate Cabernet Franc from the Elgin Valley. The wine is harmoniously balanced with opulently textured mid- core palate weight. 79% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc.
Vinification details
Clusters were de-stemmed and partially crushed after stringent sorting to remove unwanted berries and other matter. Spontaneous fermentation occurred in small fermentation vats for fourteen days and once primary fermentation was completed, the mash was pressed in a small basket press. The wine was then decanted to small French oak casks for secondary Malo-lactic fermentation and left to mature for 12 months. The final barrel selection was made and taken through a light filtration prior to bottling.
Technical Analysis
Optimal vine ripeness and canopy management, in particular, are key to producing a seamless Amatra Merlot that is perfectly suited to the Elgin Valley.
Tasting note
French clone Merlot exudes bright, fresh black plums. Plush purple fruit flavours are supported by a vibrant thread of fresh acidity from the cool climate fruit from the Elgin Valley. In its youth, broad and bright purple fruit is forward; over time this will evolve to stewed prunes, blonde tobacco and hazelnuts with seamless, mellowed tannins on the finish.
Vinification details
Clusters were de-stemmed and partially crushed after stringent sorting to remove unwanted berries and other matter. Spontaneous fermentation occurred in small fermentation vats for after about fourteen days and once primary fermentation was completed, the mash was pressed in a small basket press. The wine was then decanted to small French oak casks for secondary malolactic fermentation and left to mature for 12 months. The final barrel selection was made and taken through a very light filtration prior to bottling. No finings were applied to ensure that natural integrity and structure of the resultant wine was maintained.
Technical Analysis
Optimal vine ripeness and canopy management, in particular, are key to producing a seamless Amatra Merlot that is perfectly suited to the Elgin Valley.
Tasting note
French clone Merlot (96%) exudes bright, fresh black plums. Plush purple fruit flavours are supported by a vibrant thread of fresh acidity from the addition of a small splash of Cabernet Franc (4%) to balance the mid core palate weight. In its youth, broad and bright purple fruit is forward; over time this will evolve to stewed prunes, blonde tobacco and hazelnuts with seamless, mellowed tannins on the finish.
Vinification details
Clusters were de-stemmed and partially crushed after stringent sorting to remove unwanted berries and other matter. Spontaneous fermentation occurred in small fermentation vats for after about fourteen days and once primary fermentation was completed, the mash was pressed in a small basket press. The wine was then decanted to small French oak casks for secondary malolactic fermentation and left to mature for 12 months. The final barrel selection was made and taken through a very light filtration prior to bottling. No finings were applied to ensure that natural integrity and structure of the resultant wine was maintained.
