Simelia Merlot 2014

Origin: Wellington

SOLD OUT
Merlot 100%

Bottling Date: 11 July 2016

Release Date: February 2017

Total Production: 3,135 bottles

2014 Growing Season
A cold and wet winter with a higher than normal rainfall, allowed the vineyards a well deserved rest to refuel for the following season. Spring arrived on time in September with warm and sunny days but shortly thereafter some more cooler weather set in which ran into October.This later rain worried many a farmer for the coming crops and for potential diseases in the vineyards. The winds also arrived later than usual which caused a certain loss of crop in the vineyards. However, due to efficient vineyard management and accurate irrigation, the remainder crop was similar to the previous year’s 4 tons per hectare and supplied us with an excellent quality grapes. The bunches were selected by hand in both the vineyards and the cellar prior to crushing. The intensity of the juice was very impressive, with the resulting wine being full bodied with bursting flavours of the warm summer.
Vineyards
SINGLE BLOCK SIZE 1,14 HA

PLANTED 1996

SOIL Decomposed Granite with traces of Table Mountain Sandstone

Vinification and Ageing
STYLE OF WINE
Barrel Matured Red Wine

WOOD MATURATION
New French Oak | 1st and 2nd fill French Oak

ANALYSIS:
Alcohol 14,5 % vol, Residual Sugar 2.4 gm/l, Total Acidity 5.90 gm/l, pH 3.57 The clusters were hand-picked into 18-kg crates and then selected and sorted by hand before destem, and finally softly crushed. All grapes come exclusively from our own single vineyard block situated on our farm at 250m altitude above sea level. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at temperatures between 26-30°C for 10 days, followed by 10-15 days of maceration on the skins. The malolactic fermentation took place mainly in French oak barrels, 10% new and 90% second, third and fourth filled barrels. The wine then remained in barrels, in temperature-controlled cellars for 30 months. After bottling, the wine aged a further 6 months prior to release.

Tasting Notes
A full-volume palate rich in character of fresh red berry fruit and spice notes. An expression of a warm summer with beautiful tannic structure, glorious ripeness and subtle oak. The opulent, yet supple mouthfeel concludes with a long, leisurely and vibrant finish. A great, complex wine, full of elegance and finesse.
Accolades
4 **** Platter Wine Guide
0
My Cart
  • No products in the cart.