Summary
| Producer | Meerlust Estate |
|---|---|
| Grape Variety | 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc |
| Vintage | 2006 |
| Body | Full |
| Style | Rich, spicey reds |
| Bottle Size | 0.75 l |
| Colour | Very deep youthful colour, intense almost purple hue |
| Maturation | Matured for 15 to 20 years |
| Wine Origin | |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Region | Western Cape |
| Country | South Africa |
Wine Makers Notes
| Winemaker | Chris Williams |
|---|---|
| The Vineyard | All the vineyards were green harvested during veraison to reduce yield, increase concentration and fruit definition.The 2006 vintage was almost ideal for Cabernet based blends, but particular care had to be taken to ensure full physiological ripeness. Cooler weather meant longer hang time and slower ripening.The crop was very healthy due to brisk South Easterly breezes.The fruit from each vineyard was harvested in small lots and fermented separately to monitor vineyard expression. |
| The Winemaking | The Cabernets were given quite lengthy macerations to ensure complete extraction of the perfectly ripe fruit, but the Merlot was given even longer post fermentation maceration to encourage complete polymerization of complex tannins and add a broad, juicy and ultra-silky texture to the blend as a whole. |
| Analysis | |
| Alcohol | 14.39% |
| Residual Sugar | 2.98 g/l |
| Acidity | 6 g/l |
| pH | 3.56 |
Wine Makers Notes
| Tasting Notes | |
|---|---|
| Colour | Very deep youthful colour, intesne almost purple hue. |
| Bouquet | Very classic Rubicon nose, with violets, red plum, cedarwood and intense spiceyness. |
| Palate | The palate is full bodied, structured but packed with fresh dark fruit and rounded linear tannins. |
| Serving and Storage | |
| Optimal Drinking Window from Vintage | Now for up to 20 years |
| Cellar Life from Vintage | 20 years |
| Decanting Time | 0 - 1 |
| Food Pairings | Venison, game, pot roast and noble cheese |
