Our Wines | Quoin Rock Merlot

Quoin Rock Merlot 2004

The 2004 Merlot is a blend of 50% fruit from the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch and 50% from our vineyards in Cape Agulhas. 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 cool ripening conditions in Cape Agulhas produce delicately aromatic Merlot which is an excellent blending component adding finesses and length to the final wine. .

2004 VINTAGE

Early rain in the season resulted in higher than average crop sizes. Rain in Agulhas posed a threat to earlier ripening white varieties but the red grapes benefited from a longer hang time and resultant ripeness. Conditions in Stellenbosch were slightly cooler than normal and grapes were picked at full ripeness without the risk of wet condtions.

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

A complex array of fresh red berry fruit is evident on the nose with background hints of plums, berry confit, cedar and tobacco. The palate is full with a delicate tannin structure, tight restraint and long finish.

FOOD PAIRING

This wine is best served at 16° Celsius and will complement rich yet finely flavoured dishes.

AGEING POTENTIAL

The 2004 Merlot is drinking well on release and with correct cellaring will continue to improve for up to 8 years from vintage.

ANALYSIS

Alcohol- 15% vol; Residual Sugar-2.0g/l; Total Acidity- 6.2g/l; pH-3.7

PRODUCTION

500 Cases