Our Wines | Quoin Rock Merlot

Quoin Rock Merlot 2003

The Simonsberg with its’ rich red granite derived soils and warm micro climate is especially suited to the production of wines with depth and intensity yet with a refined elegance. The combination of heat, wind and dry conditions result in grapes with thick skins, and wines with intense colour, high extract and good ageing ability. The 2003 Merlot incorporates a 35% portion of Merlot from Cape Agulhas. The cool ripening conditions in Cape Agulhas produce delicately aromatic Merlot which is an excellent blending component. .

2003 VINTAGE

2003 was an outstanding year in both Cape Agulhas and Stellenbosch. Excellent weather conditions during flowering and ripening resulted in a good harvest of healthy fruit. 2003 is marked by wines of intensity and restrained elegance.

VITICULTURE

Vertical shoot positioning is used on both farms to attain optimum orientation of leaves for ripening the crop. A substantial green harvest is done in January to reduce crop load and increase the potential of the vine to ripen the crop.

WINEMAKING

On arrival at the winery manually harvested fruit was hand sorted and lightly crushed into tank. Fermentation lasted 6 days with 3 pump-overs per day until optimum tannin and flavour had been achieved. The wine was left to macerate on the skins for 15 days before pressing. Press and free run wine was taken to 50% new French oak for malolactic fermentation and an 18 month ageing. A minimal egg white fining and filtration was done before bottling.

THE WINE

Fresh red berry fruit with savoury hints and tobacco are evident on the nose. The palate is full with a rich defined tannin structure and tight restraint.

FOOD PAIRING

This wine is best served at 17° Celsius and will complement rich yet finely flavoured dishes.

AGEING POTENTIAL

The 2003 Merlot is drinking well on release and with correct cellaring will continue to improve for up to 12 years from vintage.

ANALYSIS

Alcohol- 14.8% vol; Residual Sugar-2.0g/l; Total Acidity- 6.2g/l; pH-3.7

PRODUCTION

570 Cases

RECOMMENDATIONS

John Platter Wine Guide- 4 1/2 star