| Appelation: |
Paarl |
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| Production: |
7 t/ha |
| Grape Varieties: |
100% Merlot |
| Wine produced: |
750ml - 5000bottles
1.5 liter - 85 Magnums
4.5 liter - 2 Rheaboams |
| Harvest: |
The Merlot was sourced from 2 Lindhorst blocks, “The Backbreaker” old Merlot and a younger block. Different row directions add to the complexity & structure. Also used is a unique section of the old block that is cropped at one bunch per shoot to concentrate on flavors and aromatics. Grapes (240 Balling average), which were lovely small berries, were picked early morning to reach the cellar in prime condition. |
| Vinification: |
Whole bunches were cooled overnight to 120 C. Lovely small berries for Merlot. More than 20% whole berries were allowed to pass through the crusher. The grapes were cold soaked and pump-over occurred 2 to 3 times a day. Following fermentation, the wine was inoculated for MLF and allowed to complete MLF in barrel. The wine was matured in small French oak barrels for 20 months. |
| Alc: |
13% pH: 3.63 Total Acid: 5.0 g/l Residual Sugar: 3.64 g/l
|
| Tasting Notes: |
Extraordinary nose of layers of ripe mulberries, plum, wild heather and fresh lavender. On the palate the smoky, toasty oak made silky tannins balanced with the mulberries through a dark chocolate. The fresh New World style will drink well now and for the next 5 years. |
| Food Recommendations: |
I like this wine with creamy dishes and, no matter what the experts say, with chocolates & desserts. Try it with creamy chicken and tomato pie or chieries poached in Merlot served with Marscapone. |
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