Meinert Merlot 2005

Fresh bright purple/red colour. The nose is an appetising mix of redcurrant, mint, spice and mineral aromas, the palate is soft yet has a touch of firmness on the finish

From
Martin Meinert makes a very small and personalised range of wines in limited quantities at the hillside Devon Crest vineyard outside Stellenbosch. Each wine is created with much thought and care to ensure uniqueness and individual character.

Vineyards
A rather complex blend of two different Merlot vineyards plus Cabernet Sauvignon for backbone. All our soils on Devon Crest are deep and well drained with high clay content. Vines receive supplementary irrigation. Average yield 7 tons/ha.

Blend
Merlot 85%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%

Winemaking
Fermented with natural yeasts, made in classic low intervention manner, no extended maceration. Aged 18 months in second and third fill French Oak barrels, racked at intervals as necessary. Polished with a very light (quarter egg per 100 litres) egg white fining and bottled in June 2007.

Analysis
Alcohol - 14.20 vol%
Residual sugar - 1,9 g/l
Total acidity - 5,5 g/l
pH - 3,50
Total extract - 28,7 g/l

Comments
The 2005 vintage is a little more robust than previous ones and is expected to become a classic. The Merlot is very elegant and as always in the classical Meinert style. Though the wine is ready to drink it will unfold and should last till 2012 at least.

Suggested Pairings
An excellent food wine idealwith game birds like quail, guinea fowl, pigeon and also duck. Lamb suits the wines herbal touches. For variation match it with Cape salmon and Merlot reduction sauces.