Dornier Merlot

Vintage:

2006

Origin:

Western Cape

Varieties:

Merlot

Veritas - Bronze

This wine has an intense,deep red colour, dominated by a fine concentration of red fruits, cherry and plum, backed up by tones of cedar, spice and oak on the nose. Excellently complimented by a balanced well-rounded acidity and a full aftertaste providing for great texture and superb longevity.

Tasting Notes:

Generally known for its understated class and elegance, this Merlot is no exception. Aromas of ripe, red fruit dominate the nose with subtle hints of cloves; evidence of the wood ageing. As 2006 was an excellent vintage, it is no surprise that the palate provides full, yet fresh flavours with great poise and a lasting aftertaste.

Vintage Conditions:

The 2006 harvest started off with relatively cool conditions, which continued into mid summer allowing for a slow and even ripening. This also led to the harvest being delayed by up to 14 days as compared to 2005. The crop we experienced was on average lower, however this resulted in increased intensity and flavour concentration among both red and white varieties with excellent colour and elegant, fine structured wines being produced.

Fermentation and Ageing:

Each batch of Merlot was fermented in open stainless steel tanks with gentle and pump-overs performed twice daily to obtain a fine and balanced tannin structure. After primary alcoholic fermentation the wines underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel followed by 16 months ageing in 30% new French oak and the remainder in second fill French oak barrels to produce supple, rounded tannins. Each lot of Merlot was then carefully selected and skilfully blended to create this unique expression.

Food Pairing:

Most suitably enjoyed with red meat dishes, particularly lamb, Ostrich and venison but can easily accompany even lighter styled dishes, such as Turkey and Guinea Fowl.

Alcohol:

14%

Residual Sugar:

2.1 g/L

Total Acid:

5.9 g/L

Final pH:

3.45

VA:

0.34 g/l

Printable Tasting Notes: