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Merlot, Steenberg

Steenberg
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Technical Analysis
Alcohol
14.4
Residual sugar
1.8
pH
3.68
Acidity
5.9
Download Specification Sheet Download Full Size Images
The 'classic' Merlot is an excellent expression of the cultivar and terroir.
Tasting note

Elegant with soft dark fruit and characteristic notes of plum, liquorice, and mulberry with a lively edge. The nose offers cedarwood and lavender, while the broody and deep palate reveals raspberry preserve, umami and spicy clove. The velvety texture is enhanced by a refreshing acidity, while well-integrated, fine tannins add structure and a dry finish luring you back to the glass.

Origin
South Africa
Variety
Merlot
Malolactic Fermentation
Yes
Bottle Size
75cl
Vegetarian
Yes
Winemaker
Elunda Basson
Fining Agent
Patatin
Closure
Cork
Region
Constantia
Vegan
Yes

Vinification details

Intensive suckering and crop reduction helps concentrate the fruit and ensure that the Merlot has good colour and a distinctive character. The grapes were harvested at a sugar level of 24-25°B, after which the juice was cold soaked at 10°C for five days and fermented on the skins for 10 – 14 days, allowing the temperature in the tank to peak at 28°C. The wine was then transferred to a combination of 3rd fill and older 225l French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and left to mature for an average of 24 months. It then underwent a light fining before bottling in August 2023.

AWARDS

Tim Atkin MW: 92 pts

Technical Analysis
Alcohol
14
Residual sugar
2.5
pH
3.5
Acidity
5.8
Download Specification Sheet Download Full Size Images
The 'classic' Merlot is an excellent expression of the cultivar and terroir.
Tasting note

Elegant with soft red fruit and characteristic notes of vanilla, cedar and clove with a lively edge. The nose offers red cherry and redcurrant, while the palate reveals sour cherry, coffee and spicy clove. The velvety texture is enhanced by refreshing acidity, while well-integrated tannins add structure. This fuller-bodied wine will stand up to rich dishes with strong Mediterranean flavours, such as braised and roast meats, tomato-based stews, mature cheeses and briny olives. Will bottle age well for five to seven years after bottling.

Origin
South Africa
Variety
Merlot
Malolactic Fermentation
Yes
Bottle Size
75cl
Vegetarian
Yes
Winemaker
Elunda Basson
Fining Agent
Patatin
Closure
Cork
Region
Constantia
Vegan
Yes

Vinification details

Intensive suckering and crop reduction helps concentrate the fruit and ensure that the Merlot has good colour and a distinctive character. The grapes were harvested at a sugar level of 24-25°B, after which the juice was cold soaked at 10°C for five days and fermented on the skins for 10 – 14 days, allowing the temperature in the tank to peak at 28°C. The wine was then transferred to a combination of 50% new, 30% 2nd, 15% 3rd and 5% 4th fill 225l French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and left to mature for 18 months. It then underwent a light fining before bottling in the second week of November 2018.