Vergelegen Reserve Merlot

Vergelegen Reserve Merlot ORIGIN The grapes were all selected from the Vergelegen vineyards; Rooiland and Stonepine. VINIFICATION The fruit was picked at peak physiological ripeness to avoid the necessity of adding acid and prevent the extraction of hard tannins. Picking took place from 19 February to 3 March 2016. Fermentation took place at a consistent 25°C. The young wine was left to macerate on its skins for a further 7 weeks before pressing. Malolactic fermentation was induced in stainless steel tanks and was followed by maturation in 225l French oak barrels for 16 months before bottling on 25 January 2018. COMPOSITION Merlot – 86% Cabernet Franc – 9% Petit Verdot – 5% ANALYSIS Alc 14.80% RS 3.23 g/l TA 5.92 g/l pH 3.53 MATURATION Accessible now but will continue to improve over the next decade. Vergelegen Reserve Merlot Tasting Notes Ripe plum colour with a ruby rim. The nose shows ripe fruit flavours, black cherries, plum, spice and a touch of chocolate. The ripeness of the fruit is balanced by fresh fruit acidity with soft wood and fruit tannins. The aftertaste is long and lasting. Nose: Delicious black cherry and plum aromas blend with hints of spice and a touch of chocolate. Palate: Luscious black fruit flavours balance the fresh acidity and softly wooded tannins. After Taste Finish: A long-lasting red fruit finish.