Journey's End Vineyard Series V2 Merlot

Journey’s End Vineyard Series V2 Merlot 2016

Journey’s End Vineyards is situated at the most Eastern end of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation on the slopes of the famous Schapenberg Hills above Sir Lowry’s Pass Village in the Helderberg Basin. The farm is within sight of False Bay, from when cometh cooling breezes which ameliorate Summer heat in the vineyards. This means slower ripening for the berries.

Mike Dawson, Journey’s End Winemaker

It was International Merlot Day on 7th November, a designated day to celebrate one of the world’s best loved red wines, which happens to be the most popular red wine in South Africa. More glasses of Merlot are consumed in Wine Bars and Restaurant than any other variety. There’s so much to love about Merlot, with its seductive smooth mouthfeel and generous juicy dark and red fruits layered with herbal notes and spices, with undertones of vanilla and mocha, often accompanied by hints of violets, cedarwood and tobacco leaves. Merlot is also a flexible food-friendly wine and ages excellently. The grapes were hand-picked early in the morning from vineyard blocks 5 and 7. Block 7 is situated next to a Eucalyptus forest which has a subtle influence on the flavour profile of the wine. The grapes were hand sorted and destemmed but not crushed. Whole berries were cold soaked for 4 days before fermentation and 16 months maturation in 300 litre American and French oak barrels of which 40% were new.

Merlot ripening on the vine

Pour

From a Bordeaux shaped bottle, closed with natural cork. The label is simple and elegant. In the glass, the wine is a gem bright bloodplum at the heart which pales out to ruby at the edges. The aromas are of red and black berries and plums, the oak and its spice and vanilla in support of the luscious fruit. The palate from entry has flavours of Crème de Cassis, a lovely line of raspberry acidity mid plate offers mocha latte soft tannins, well integrated. Gentle tannins, with the fruit and oak are an indicator that the wine will mature well for at least another 5 years. A very impressive glass. I gave a glass to a friend who knows and loves his wines. The response, ‘this is surely the finest Merlot I have ever tasted.” Not much of it around, so do land a bottle or two from our favourite wine shop or order direct from the Estate.

BBQ Maple Cauli Tacos with a White Bean & ClemenGold Sauce

Pair

As I said earlier, Merlot is a popular wine and the Journey’s End Vineyard Series V2 Merlot 2016 is an excellent wine for sipping. It is of course made for a well prepared meal. With plant based eating become more and more popular, Mira Weiner is one of the finest exponents of this style of food. Her BBQ Maple Cauli Tacos with a White Bean & ClemenGold Sauce are a superb match. Click here for her recipe.