Cederberg Merlot Shiraz 2020
Winemaker David Nieuwoudt
Benefiting from diverse soil types, unpolluted air and free-flowing crystal-clear water, Cederberg Wines is situated at 1036 meters above sea level, consequently 250km from Cape Town you will find the highest wine farm in the Western Cape. The climate is describes as cool continental, with dramatic temperature drops at night during summer and snow capped mountains in winter.
Merlot and Shiraz grapes are vinified separately, hand harvested at 24-25 balling. Grapes cold soak for two days before it is inoculated with yeast. During fermentation colour /flavour extraction takes place with regular pump-overs every six hours and a maximum temperature of 27°C is reached. Once malolactic fermentation is completed in tank the wine is matured further in 225l French oak barrels are used for an additional 12 months. Blending of the wine only takes place after maturation.
54% Merlot and 46% Shiraz. 60% 3rd Fill & 40% 4th fill medium and tight grain barrels with medium and medium plus toasting are used.
Tasting Notes:
Merlot dominated but with Shiraz to soften the curve, producing a deliciously drinkable wine, approachable in its youth but will reward with some ageing. This wine shows an abundance of sweet, ripe red fruit such as brambleberries, raspberries and plump black cherries. Clever use of wood supports the fruit without overwhelming it. The soft accessible tannins make this a great wine for all occasions.
Best Enjoyed:
Great during BBQ with rosemary lamb chops or juicy beef burgers, or at the dinner table with rich meaty stews or hearty lentils and black-eyed beans with herb dumplings. Pair with mature hard and semi-hard cheeses rather than white rind cheeses. Structured by Merlot for longevity and sophistication, made accessible by Shiraz. Your 'go to' red wine of choice!
Cheese: Try blue brie, blue Camembert, Emmental or Leicester.
Optimum Drinking Time: Drink now or keep up to 4 years
Accolades:
Platter's SA Wine Guide '22: 4 Stars - 2019 Vintage
Platter's SA Wine Guide '20: 4 Stars - 2017 Vintage
Platter's SA Wine Guide '19: 4 Stars - 2016 Vintage
Stephen Tanzer - USA'17: 89 Points - 2015 Vintage
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