Ernie Els Merlot – South Africa

”Tasting notes The medium bodied 2015 Merlot is a reflection of a truly great vintage exuding excellent ripeness along with freshness and poise. This wine manages to balance succulent red fruits with a savoury complexity; whiffs of tomato leaf earth tobacco and plums almost reminds one of Bordeaux. The palate is more sweet-fruited and juicy however with cherries and strawberries taking centre stage. The tannins are soft like milk chocolate supported by firm acidity and a long finish. Perhaps the finest vintage to date! In the vineyard The vintage will be remembered as one of the driest and earliest in years with a somewhat smaller wine grape harvest promising exceptional wines. Good reserves were accumulated during the post-harvest period in April and May after which leaf fall generally occurred at the right time. A cold wet winter led to the accumulation of sufficient cold units for the full breaking of dormancy which contributed to even bud break. Warm weather in August r