in the vineyard : The Merlot grapes are drawn predominantly from Devon Valley, Helderberg, and Stellenbosch Kloof. The Stellenbosch Kloof Vineyards tend to be younger than those of Devon Valley. These vineyards are mostly trellised and cooler south-west facing, affording the grapes a cooler microclimate. The vineyards vary in age from 6 - 18 years.
in the cellar : The grapes were fermented on the skins for 7 - 10 days, and the juice was racked off the skins. The skins were pressed, and that juice was then added back to the free run juice to add complexity. The grapes from selected vineyards were seperately vinified to maintain their individual characters. After fermentation a selection was made. 48% of wines were placed in small barrels (300l) of new French oak, 30% stuk vats, and 22% in stainless steel.