Journeys EndStellenbosch Merlot 2016 (R166.50 Per Bottle, 6 Bottles)

About

Among the long rolling south-facing slopes of the Stellenbosch Winelands, caressed by cool coastal breezes, lies the boutique winery and vineyard, Journey’s End. With only a handful of premium, hand-crafted wines produced here, the focus is very much on quality. No more than 25,000 dozen bottles of estate wine are produced in a typical vintage, many of which regularly collect trophies on the international circuit. In fact, thanks to its sea-facing slopes, excellent soils and the exceptional wines emerging from the general area, the Schapenberg terroir has begun to draw a comparison with the likes of Bordeaux.

Product Features

• The Journeys End 2016 Merlot is a wonderful display of a Stellenbosch Merlot. Ruby, clear and bright.
• Blackcurrants and raspberries, a hint of violets, with the French oak very well matched to allow the fruit to shine.
• Shows nutmeg, vanilla, and white pepper perfume, and finishes with just enough grip to promise good cellaring potential.
• An elegant, polished wine, already drinking well.
• The wine was oak matured for 16 months in 300L American and French oak barrels, of which 40% was matured in new barrels. 
• After final blending, the wine was then cross flowed before bottling.
• They were hand sorted and destemmed but not crushed. The whole berries were cold-soaked for 4 days before being inoculated. 
• Fermentation took about 15 days at 18 – 28 ˚ C with a carefully planned pump over/punch down the schedule to ensure soft tannins. 
• 50% of the wine was naturally fermented. The malolactic fermentation was done in barrels and only the free-run juice was used.

Product Specifications

• Cultivar: 100% Merlot
• Region: Stellenbsoch
• ABV:14%