Product Description
Somerset West, South Africa
Varieties
Merlot – 100%
The Vineyard
The grapes were all selected from the Vergelegen vineyards; Rooiland and Stonepine.
The Harvest
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 23 February to 3 March.
The Cellar
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 18 January.
Alc 14.57%
RS 2.50 g/l
TA 6.3 g/l
pH 3.42
Aging Potential
Accessible now but will continue to improve over the next decade.
Awards
VERGELEGEN MERLOT 2015
Atkin – 92
Platter – ’93 – 4½ stars
VERGELEGEN MERLOT 2014
Atkin – 92
Platter – ’92 – 4½ stars
VERGELEGEN MERLOT 2013
Atkin – 92
Martin – 86
Platter – ’92 – 4½ stars
VERGELEGEN MERLOT 2012
Tanzer – 89
Atkin – 92
VERGELEGEN MERLOT 2011
Tanzer – 91
