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 effectively handle the canopy. 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 2005/06 GROWING SEASON
The 2006 vintage was characterised by a cold, wet winter, followed by a relatively dry early growing season, with the wind up on the Schapenberg blowing almost non-stop. This resulted in even smaller than normal bunches and berries, giving more concentration and flavour. Intensive vineyard practices were followed, including much attention to bearer spacing during pruning. Excess shoots were suckered three to four times during the growing season. This ensured that no green harvesting was needed, except for the removal of weak shoots. Due to the small crop, the vineyards easily managed the dry conditions later in the growing season. The grapes had a very good natural acidity.
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 wooden tanks. Manual punch-downs (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 20 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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