Stellenzicht Golden Triangle Merlot

Wine information: Flanked by the Helderberg and Stellenbosch Mountain, between Stellenbosch and the False Bay coast, lies an exceptional tract of land that benefits from terroirs eminently suited to the cultivation of the highest quality wine grapes. This jewel in the crown of the magnificent Stellenbosch wine-growing region is known as the Golden Triangle. At its core lies Stellenzicht. The award-winning Stellenzicht range reserves its Golden Triangle label for those wines which most eloquently demonstrate the unique terroir of this special part of the Helderberg, home to some of South Africa's most exceptional wines. The vineyards for this Shiraz were planted between 1987 and 1990 and are situated on slopes facing west and north-west at an altitude of between 150m and 230m above sea level and grow in a combination of decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone. The grapes are harvested by hand and, after destalking and crushing, the mash was fermented in stainless steel tanks at 38° C for 6 days before being transferred to oak barrels for further maturation. The wine was matured in a combination of American (38%), French (48%) and Eastern European (14%) oak barrels for 10 months. None of the oak was new. The Golden Triangle Merlot has a good intensity of rich ruby with garnet edges. The nose has an earthy array of savoury berry fruit and herbs. The palate is classic and elegant with hints of red berry fruit, coriander and vanilla. Wonderfully soft and subtle while the medium to full-bodied structure lingers well at the end. Try with herb-crusted lamb, oxtail and "tamatie bredie" are amongst the favourites but it is a great accompaniment to an array of similar dishes.

 
     

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