Guardian Peak Merlot is intensely red purple in the glass, on the nose fresh dark fruit and black cherry aromas are well integrated with smooth mocha-coffee notes that come to the fore. Dark mulberry and plum flavours are prominent on the palate, and there is a mocha undertone that is in beautiful balance with the subtle oak characters. This Merlot shows a fantastic weight of fruit in the mouth and a rounded, elegant finish.
- Country: South Africa
- Region: Coastal Region
- Subregion: Stellenbosch
- Vintage: 2020
- Colour: Red
- Grape Variety: Merlot
- ABV: 14.5%
- Bottle Size: 75cl
- Closure: Natural cork
- Style: Dark fruit and mocha
- Drink With: Hotpot
Matured in 2nd and 3rd fill 300 litre French and American oak for 10 months, this Guardian Peak Merlot is made for young drinking but has more than enough backbone to age gracefully for a couple of years.
About the grower
Guardian Peak is one of the new generation of South African wineries producing wines that combine traditional European body and structure with New World fruit and exuberance. It is owned by Jean Engelbrecht of Rust en Vrede and, as you would expect with this larger-than-life character, Guardian Peak wines are true to their grape varieties and locations. Each one is not only fun to drink but also an education in the best that the Western Cape can offer.
The panoramic vistas from Guardian Peak are simply stunning and, for any of you lucky enough to get out that way, there is now a wonderful restaurant at the winery with food to match the magnificence of the views.