Simelia Merlot 2018
Origin: Wellington
IN STOCK
Merlot 100%
Bottling Date: 28 September 2020
Release Date: December 2020
Total Production: 4,000 bottles
2018 Growing Season
Following another dry season in 2017, the grape harvest in general was higher in the Cape Winelands.
Interestingly the summer was rather dry than extreme heat and we experienced cool nights throughout the
growing season, it greatly assisted the grapes during the ongoing drought.
Even though our water supply was adequate, we managed the water usage very carefully to assist the
ripening process of the grapes. The dry conditions were favourable in the sense that there were no diseases
present in the vineyards. The grape berries were also a bit smaller than usual which also provided amazing
flavour concentration and a beautiful colour to our wines. Harvest time was a bit cooler than previous years,
which then created the ideal conditions for a truly exceptional vintage.
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 2.1 gm/l, Total Acidity 5.60 gm/l, pH 3.61
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 200m 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,
20% new and 80% first and second fill barrels.
The wine then remained in barrels, in temperature-controlled cellars for 30 months. After bottling, the wine
aged a further 3 months prior to release.
Tasting Notes
A fresh and elegant Merlot with subtle hints of spice. An expression of a dry summer with a gentle tannic
structure, and palate rich in red berry fruit character.
Accolades
4 **** Platter’s Wine Guide
