Indaba Merlot

Indaba Merlot is crafted in a fresh, clean style, this velvety wine offers enticing aromas and bright, juicy flavours of cherry, dark berry and plum backed by subtle mocha and herbal nuances and a delicate minerality.

Country: South Africa
Region: Coastal Region
Subregion: Paarl & Paarl-Perdeberg
Vintage: 2017
Colour: Red
Grape Variety: Merlot
ABV: 14.5%
Bottle Size: 75cl
Closure: Screwcap
Style: Bright and juicy
Drink With: A homemade hamburger

Indaba Merlot grapes were sourced from select vineyard sites in Paarl and Paarl-Paardeberg and planted in soils of decomposed dolomite granite and deep weathered shale, with a good moisture retention capacity. Most of the vineyards are located on the south-southwest facing slopes, where they benefit from cool Atlantic breezes. The vines range in age from 12-22 years.

The grapes were harvested in the early morning hours, de-stemmed, crushed and left to cold soak for two days. The individual components were then fermented on the skins in stainless steel tanks until dry, with gentle pumpovers performed regularly. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in tank and was aged in French oak for 7-8 months.

From Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:
Good deep red. Musky dark berries, plum and wild herbs on the nose. Shows lovely richness, sweetness and depth for a wine in this price range (especially a Merlot!), with cherry-berry and chocolate flavours accented by an herbal quality. This nicely intense, balanced midweight finishes savoury and complex, with a firm dusting of tannins. The Indaba wines are routinely among the best inexpensive bottlings from South Africa. 88 Points