WINES

Vergelegen's winemaking philosophy is simple : there must be harmony between the old and the new.

MERLOT 2003

The wine shows a deep rich colour. On the nose aromas of plum, chocolate and spice abound. The wine is full with soft ripe tannins and excellent wood integration. Enjoy with most winter meals, fillet, stew and pasta dishes.

After the 02 gap, 03 well worth the wait: with a new graceful elegance & fresh purity of fruit: but packed with mint-laced dark choc, hinting of meat, blackcurrant; fine structural support.
[John Platter]

	AWARDS
	John Platter Guide 2006 : 4.5 Stars
	Origin

	Vinification
	The fruit is picked at peak physiological ripeness to avoid adding acid or extracting hard tannins. Fermentation took place at 28°C and lasted 7 days. Further maceration of 2 weeks took place before the new wine was run off into barrels for malolactic fermentation. The Merlot received 5 rackings in total to aid the evolution of the tannins. The wine was matured for 20 months in small French oak barrels. Only 50% of the barrels were new.
	Composition
	85 % Merlot - 15 % Cabernet Franc
	Analysis
	14.5% Alc 2.8 g/l RS 6.5 g/l TA 3.48 pH
	Maturation
	Accessible after one-year bottle maturation but will last at least 6 – 8 years.

WINES

MERLOT 2003

AWARDS

Origin

Vinification

Composition

Analysis

Maturation