Grapes for the Delaire Graff Banghoek Reserve Merlot 2020 were hand-picked in the early hours of the morning from the estate’s oldest single vineyard. Grapes were de-stemmed and partially crushed. A combination of punch-downs and pump-overs at cooler temperatures of 24°C-26°C. Wine was then left on skin post-ferment for 4-6 weeks at 16°C. Matured in 70% new French oak barrels for 16 months. Residual sugar: 2.5g/l. Bottled at 14.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: Dark red fruits such as blackberries and plums, whiffs of oak spice.

Palate: Characterised by spicy, dark plum and berry flavours. Smooth entry with a rich well weighted mid-palate.

Finish: Silky, ripe tannins ensure a long and lingering finish. Lingering notes of cassis and oak spice.

The name Delaire means ‘from the sky’, a suitable name for an estate nestled high within the majestic mountains and overlooking the vineyards of Stellenbosch. Acquired by Laurence Graff (OBE) in 2003, today the estate features a state-of-the-art winery with a portfolio of multi-award winning wines. Winemaker Morné Vrey began his career as assistant winemaker at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Since then he has worked on wine estates across Europe – Chateau Angelus, Chateau Le Carillon de L’Angelus, Chateau Bellefont Belcier and Chateau Trianon in France, and Staatsweingut Weinsberg in Germany, as well as Esk Valley Estate in New Zealand, before returning home and making Delaire Graff Estate his new office.

#REDWINE #MERLOT