in the cellar : In 1997, good, healthy fruit was picked at optimum ripeness - determined by aroma assessment (ie. maximum fruit intensity). the wine was fermented between 20 & 25 deg C with 20% whole bunches. 30% was presoaked for 4 days.
Oak maturation: 86% centre of France
tight grain oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: The colour of the wine is a brilliant deep red. The aroma shows hints of cedarwood and vanilla with attractive berry fruit. On the palate the wine is rich and full with soft tannins and good acidity. The wine has a long finish but is drinkable at present. It will however mature for up to six years from vintage.
Previous awards: Our first Merlot was produced in 1989 and since then we have been awarded 3 Veritas Double Gold Awards (1989, 1990, 1991) and one Gold (1996). Two vintages have been chosen for SAA Business Class Wine of the Month and First Class. It was also the SA Champion Young Red Wine in 1990 and a gold medal winner on the 1997 SA Young Wine Show.
The 1997 was awarded a very prestigious Gold at the International WINE Challenge and another GOLD at Expovina 1999 (an International Wine Competition held in Zurich).
in 1999.