Merlot | 2021
Deep, ruby red, presenting a smoky nose with striking red fruits and enticing notes of liquorice. The palate is silky smooth, with taut, fine tannins reminiscent of a tightened bow. Flavours of tart cherries are layered with vanilla and a subtle savoury undertone.
R250,00 – R3000,00
Fact Sheets
Current Vintage
Previous Vintages
About Hartenberg Merlot
Hartenberg winemaker, Carl Shultz, won the Diners Club “Winemaker of the Year” award for the very fine 2004 Estate Merlot. The 2005 Estate Merlot was awarded the IWSC International Trophy as the world’s best Merlot in 2008.
The vineyards were given a green harvest at véraison to ensure evenly ripe fruit. Picking was decided by tasting, thereby ensuring optimal ripeness. All grapes were handpicked and sorted in the vineyard, de-stemmed and lightly crushed. The grapes were cold-soaked and then inoculated with French-sourced yeast. The must was fermented between 24 and 26° Celsius and pumped over daily. An extended maceration took place, followed by fractional pressing. After settling, the wine went to French oak for malolactic fermentation.
Awards
2021: 93 points Tim Atkin, 4½ stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2020: 93 points Tim Atkin, 4½ stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2019: 93 points Tim Atkin, 4½ stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2018: 93 points Tim Atkin, 4½ stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2017: 93 points Tim Atkin, 4½ stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2016: 93 points Tim Atkin
2015: 4½ stars Platters SA Wine Guide
2015: 93 points Tim Atkin, Gold Medal Decanter World Wine Awards (the only South African Gold medal for Merlot), Gold Medal Veritas Awards 2017
2014: 92 points Tim Atkin, 4 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2013: 4 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2012: 4 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2011: 4 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2010: Gold Medal Concours Mondial 2014, Gold Medal Veritas, 4 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
2009: 4 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2013, 91 points Robert Parker