Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Reserve Merlot 2018 – one of my superb Banghoek Valley Merlots
The Stellenbosch Wine Appellation is known for producing fine Cabernet Sauvignon Wines. Its fellow Bordeaux wine, Merlot, has been used very successfully as a blender in the so-called Bordeaux Style Blends. With renewed interest in the wine, better vineyard sites, more care in the cellar, and a keenness from a number of producers who have founded the Hallo Merlot Forum, we are more than ready to celebrate International Merlot Day on 9th November. Here are two of my current favourite Banghoek Valley Merlots.
Morne Vrey – Cape Wine Makers Guild
Morné Vrey elevated the Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Reserve Merlot 2018 with great care and his usual fine attention to detail. The grapes were not crushed to be sure of the gentle extraction of the fruit and tannins. Punch downs took place during fermentation. The wine spent 18 months in French Oak Barrels, of which 80% were new.
Merlot was the old French name for a blackbird
Pour
This premium wine is packed in a Bordeaux shaped bottle and closed with natural cork. The label is white and elegant. In the glass, the wine is a deep opaque bloodplum at the heart which pales out toward the edges. The aromas and palate segue one into the other. Classical Merlot aromas of dark berries and plums which follow on to the palate with a lovely line of acidity, and silken smooth tannins. A truly impressive glass.