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VINEYARDS
The south-west facing vineyards producing the Circumstance Merlot are cultivated at Waterkloof on the Schapenberg in Somerset West. The farm is about 5 kilometres from the sea, and the Merlot vineyards are planted at a height of between 240 and 260 metres above sea level. The soils are of sandstone origin with medium size stones, helping with drainage while retaining moisture. The 2007 vintage was cultivated under dry land conditions and the vineyards are trellised to handle the canopy effectively. Strong south-easterly winds occurred during the growing season which helped to control growth and crop. The vineyards are 12 years old. Production was approximately 7 tons/ha.
THE 2004/05 GROWING SEASON
The 2005 vintage was characterised by rains during the early part of the growing season from September to November. Vineyards were more vigorous than normal and extra work had to be done to keep the canopies in balance. Strong winds during the growing season assisted in keeping the berries relatively small and concentrated. The ripening period was warm and little rain fell during this period. Rains just before harvest, at the end of January, provided much needed moisture to the Merlot vineyards. Very little water stress occurred and this helped the grapes to reach phenological ripeness. The grapes were harvested by hand in small picking crates.
WINEMAKING
The Merlot vineyards were harvested towards the end of February. The grapes were de-stemmed and fermented with naturally occurring yeasts in open-top stainless steel tanks. Manual punchdowns twice a day were used during fermentation to maximise colour and tannin extraction. The wines spent an additional 20 days on the skins after fermentation to help integrate the tannins and stabilise the colour. The skins were separated from the juice by a gentle pressing. All the wine went through malolactic fermentation in barrel. Wine was aged in new (60%) and second-fill (40%) French barrels for 18 months.
TASTING NOTES
A smooth, textured wine with fine tannins, but with enough backbone to last at least a decade or more. Layered complexity that exhibits lush fruitiness, spice and exuberance with a long finish and fine tannins. Deep-layered ripe black berry fruit, also featuring a hint of sweet liquorice.
ANALYSIS
Alc: 14.0%
TA: 5.95g/l
pH: 3.4
RS: 1.7g/l
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