Carmen Stevens Merlot 2017

Carmen Stevens Merlot 2017

Winemaking

All fruit are handpicked at optimal ripeness. The grapes are bunch sorted and fermented with a pure yeast culture for best purity of fruit expression. The batches are fermented separately with constant oxygen incorporated, to stabilize colour and rounding of the tannin structure. After a 12-month maturation period each barrel is tasted and a final blend is compiled. The final Merlot blend are barrelled for an additional 3 months for good marriage of the batches. The Merlot blend were matured in French oak barrels to compliment the fruit expression of the wine.

Tasting Notes

Deep dark granite colouring. A beautiful ripe cherry and black berry fruit. Layered flavour spectrum with depth of flavour that greets you on the nose. The palate entrance is full, ripe with concentrated flavours. A beautiful balance of toasted oak with ripe cherry fruit, sweet mid-palate impression and just enough freshness to keep the palate interesting. The intensity of the palate and complexity of the wine, is a true compliment to Merlot as a variety.

Analysis

Alcohol: 14.5 %
Residual Sugar: 3.29 g/l
Total Acidity: 6.7 g/l
pH: 3.9
Wine of Origin: Paarl