ThelemaMerlot 2022
  • Thelema  Merlot 2022 75cl 14% - 272861.jpg
ThelemaMerlot 2022
Size75cl
Vintage2022
ABV14%
CountrySouth Africa
RegionWestern Cape
Sub-RegionStellenbosch
Main GrapeMerlot (100%)
ExpressionRed, Warm and Spicy

Tasting note

The aroma is at once appealing and inviting, deep and complex. Plum crumble, vanilla bean and sun-dried tomato to begin with; opening up to reveal nuances of roasted red pepper, saucisson and gravelly, tarry, mineral notes. In the mouth it has irresistibly lovely, succulent, soft texture. It is full and rounded, while beautifully-defined. Great refinement to the tannin texture. Creamy stone fruit character - plum and cherry cheesecake. Excellent overall balance, and so very drinkable. Enjoy immediately and over the next five years.

Viticulture

Sourced from established vines which were planted in 1988 in Hutton soils (decomposed granite) at a density of 3200 vines per ha. Vineyard practices include vertical hedge trellising, spur pruning to 2 buds every 12cms and supplementary drip irrigation. Harvesting was by hand and yielded 7t/ha.

Vinification

The whole bunches were de-stalked, hand sorted and crushed into stainless steel tanks where fermentation took place at 28 degrees C with pump overs for 6 days and a further 5 days maceration followed by 100% malo-lactic fermentation and pressing into 30% new French barriques where ageing was for 20 months before bottling.

Food Match

Mushroom risotto, rich pastas and grilled meats.

ClosureNatural Cork
Suitable for
Vegans
Vegetarians
Grape Varieties
Merlot100%
pH3.55
Total Acidity5.4g/l Tartaric
Residual Sugar2.8g/l
Allergens
Sulphur
Egg
SKU Code27286122