Linton Park Reserve Merlot 2011

This wine originates a single vineyard called “River Garden”. This exquisite wine already shows the promising potential of the vineyards. Matured for one year in new French oak and a further year in 4th fill, gives added concentration and savoury olive-like tones. A truly elegant and poised wine with smooth finish.

Beef, lamb roast and game birds. Best at a temperature between 16° C and 17° C

variety : Merlot [ 100% Merlot ]
winemaker : Hennie Huskisson
wine of origin : Paarl
analysis : alc : 14.5 % vol  rs : 3.1 g/l  ta : 5.3 g/l  
type : Red   wooded
pack : Bottle  size : 750ml  closure : Cork  

The Vineyards are called De Slange Rivier (Serpent river) and was founded by French Huguenot Louis Fourie in 1699, land granted by Cape Governor Adrian Van Der Stel. 84 Hectares under vine nestling on the high slopes of the Groenberg Mountain, Wellington District with sweeping views across to Table Mountain.

in the vineyard : Climate / Quality of the soil/ Vines
Cool breeze micro-climate, one of the highest vineyards in South Africa with temperatures 6°C cooler than the valley giving our grapes slow ripening. Our vines thrive on the decomposed high mineral granite Oakleaf with sub-dominant Grenrosa and Tukulu soil formations on the mountain. The blocks are carefully manipulated for high concentrated flavour with low yields. Controlled irrigation and 7 strand hedge system with moveable foliage wires. The high trellis system ensures perfect vertical shoot positioning and bunch management is done to ensure even ripe grapes. Hand harvest in February at dawn to keep grapes cool for vinification. The Merlot vines average 13 years old.

Viticuturist: Rudolf Jansen van Vuuren

about the harvest: Hand harvesting

in the cellar : De-stemming and crushing
Maceration and controlled fermentation at 25°C during 10-14 days, in stainless steel tanks with pump overs twice a day
Pressing
Malolactic fermentation was finished 2-6 weeks after the end of alcoholic fermentation.
Twelve months matured in 1st 2nd and 3rd fill Oak barrels, carefully selected French and American oak barrels to match sensory.
1st, 2nd and 3rd fill wine blended and matured for additional 12 months in 4th fill barrels.
Stabilizing Filtering
Bottling and labelling at the Estate

Composition: 100% Merlot
24 months maturation French & American Oak Barrels

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OTHER VINTAGES

Merlot
Merlot