Benguela Cove ‘L.C.’ Merlot 2022

Benguela Cove ‘Lighthouse Collection’ Merlot 2022

Winemaking

The vineyards selected for this wine was meant to evoke the inherent dark berry fruit and baking spice aromas Merlot is known for. The vines were managed with great care to aid even ripening and complexity. The grapes were cooled overnight followed by bunch- and berry sorting the next morning. After three days of cold maceration, the juice was allowed to warm up to 16°C. To enhance the intrinsic qualities of Merlot, the must was inoculated with selected yeast strains to accentuate floral and fruity aromas. Alcoholic fermentation lasted about eight days during which gentle pump- overs encouraged delicate flavour and colour extraction. Pressed off the skins when fermentation was completed, the wine was settled in tanks and transferred to the barrels for malolactic fermentation to smooth out its edges. Maturation: 12 months; 100% French oak barrels

Tasting Notes

Opens with distinctive aromas of cedar, pine needle, clove spice and cigar box, giving a lifted, savoury first impression. The palate is juicy and vibrant, centered on blueberry fruit with fennel, mocha and baking spice adding complexity. Sweet, velvety tannins wrap around the fruit, creating a smooth, lingering finish that feels refined while still very approachable.

Analysis

Alcohol: 14.0 %
Residual Sugar: 3.9 g/l
Total Acidity: 5.6 g/l
pH: 3.58
Wine of Origin: Walker Bay

Personality

We chose specific yeast strains to enhance the fruit flavours of the wine further and opted for gentle winemaking practices to ensure a beautiful, round mouthfeel. Tannin management is vital with Merlot and therefore chose to use old French oak barrels to focus on fruit rather than oak extraction. Complex yet focused, this wine entices you with
its fruit freshness that is so well balanced with its darker, spicier palate. With enough restraint, freshness and tannin structure, this wine will certainly age well, although you might be tempted to drink it straight away.