Meridian® Eagles’ Nest Merlot Reserve 2020 – 8285996712233

Grown in the cool climate of Constantia Valley, the grapes for Eagles’ Nest Merlot 2020 come from eight blocks of Merlot planted on different sections of Eagles’ Nest which make up a total of 4.1ha. These blocks are planted on altitudes ranging from 100m to 400m above sea level, and slopes ranging from North-East to North-West, against rugged mountain slopes. Based on the varying altitudes and undulations of these blocks, and the different meso-climate and micro-climates the vines are exposed to, various small batches of grapes were individually picked and processed, to produce distinct and individual Merlot components. Grapes were then hand sorted and crushed into various small to medium sized open top fermenters. Pump-overs were performed three to four times per day, these practices being determined by twice daily tastings of the tanks. Following fermentation, the free-run wine was drawn off and the skins pressed separately. The wine was then racked into first, second and third-fill French oak barrels. During maturation, the wine was racked twice. After 18 months in maturation, select barrels were racked to tank and blended, and allowed to harmonise before bottling in December 2021. 18,765 bottles were produced. Residual sugar: 2.2g/l. Bottled at 14.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: Bright nose with appetizing fruit purity. Notes of bramble fruit with whiffs of cedar wood.

Palate: Full and structured, on entry the wine shows notes of mulberry, raspberry and plums. Mid-palate slightly more savoury and with hints of pepper.

Finish: Firm ripe tannins with a persistent finish. Lingering notes of dark chocolate and tobacco.

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