March 08, 2013

South Africa Merlot


The big reds from South Africa can be really, really big. If you're looking for a bit more nuance, a wine of medium body, then the Merlots may be a good bet. There are lots of them worth sipping, and many are bargains. Here are a few of our favorites.

Barton
Walker Bay
Barton’s vineyards, situated at the heart of the Kogelberg National Eco Park. This is a straightforward, no-nonsense bargain red from the award winning Barton Vineyards. In the UK, available at Define Food & Wine

Stellenbosch
The reds are standouts. A merlot that is great bang for buck and the "Sir Percy" blend, a French style blend. The merlot boasts 4 Stars Platter Wine Guide: "Succulent and sophisticated, deeply fruit-rich... layered with dried herbs and smoke, building complexity..." Available in the US from Southern Wines. For the money, you can't do much better. And be sure to eat at Taste Restaurant, where Ed and staff will take very good care of you. Winery and restaurant open Sundays. Staying in the neighborhood? You'll wish you were lodging at Jacana. We did.



Franschoek
Winery, guest lodge and restaurant. All are good. Their Merlot picked up three awards in 2010 (Michaelangelo, Veritas, Bruxelles). Unfortunately not available in the US or UK, but you can order from their website.

Dornier
Stellenbosch
Another one with a great restaurant and guest lodging, even great architecture (pictured above). And the Merlot? The wines are fine. Nice merlot, Donatus Red, a blend, is probably the winner.

Ernie Els
Stellenbosh
Very good Merlot and their Proprieters blend is a standout (Cab, Shiraz, Merlot, even a bit of Petit Verdot for good measure). Wine Enthusiast (90 pts): "Polished and lengthy, with a mix of ripe plum and blackberry fruit woven with grilled herb notes." Available in the US and UK.



Guardian Peak
Stellenbosch
Another bargain. Easy drinking, California-style Merlot (and that's a compliment. Their restaurant, with breathtaking views, is worth a visit too. Available in the UK from Oxford Wine Company and SA Wines Online.

Hartenberg
Stellenbosh
They are famous for their Syrahs, but also make a top tier Merlot (a Veritas medal winner), good, not too oaky Chardonnay and bright, crisp Sauvignon Blanc.Order their wines in the EU from Taste of Africa. Nearby Ons Genot Country Lodge ("our pleasure") is quiet and charming.



Jordan
Stellenbosch
The owner/winemaker cut his teeth in California. The grounds are spectacular and the restaurant is well worth a meal. The standouts are the easy drinking merlot, and the reserve Chardonnary and red blend. Can't get enough Try High Timber, their London restaurant.

Stellenbosch
One of the old, venerable bastions makes a ripe, rich left bank style Merlot.

Morgenster
Stellenbosch
Tanzer loves this one: "Deep, saturated ruby-red, elegant nose..."

La Petite Ferme
Franschoek
"Christmas pudding flavours – spicey, plums and some nutmeg. This wine is predominantly soft with some firm fruit tannins..."



• • •

See: South Africa post.

Slideshow: South Africa wine and wine farms.

Need a map of Stellenbosch?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

These sound excellent. Nice descriptions. Can't wait to try them.

Anonymous said...

Ernie Els is really great, sophisticated. Thanks for sharing. I get it here (UK): http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=11544&afwinid=90909&gclid=CMi4k_mkpLwCFU_KtAodsA8AlA