The vineyards for the Hartenberg Merlot 2017 were given a green harvest at véraison (when the grapes are ripening and change colour from green to black, bunches that still have green grapes are pruned and dropped) to ensure evenly ripe fruit. Picking was decided by tasting, thereby ensuring optimal ripeness. All grapes were hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard, de-stemmed and lightly crushed. The grapes were cold-soaked and then inoculated with French-sourced yeast. The must was fermented between 24°C and 26°C and pumped over daily. An extended maceration took place, followed by fractional pressing. After settling, the wine went to French oak for malolactic fermentation. Aged for 18 months in French oak, 40% new. Bottled at 14.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: The nose shows rhubarb and dark chocolate whiffs.

Palate: The palate is flush with flavours of plums and dark chocolate.

Finish: Silky soft tannins that finish in a refined elegance.

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