Situations of Vineyards: 200 - 350 m above sea-level;
south-eastern slopes of the Simonsberg.
Age of Vines: 6 – 20 years
Residual Sugar: 1,7 g/l
Total Acidity: 6,0 g/l
Alcohol by Volume: 14,5 %
pH: 3,58
Degrees Balling at Harvest: 24,2 - 26,8 º
B
Temperature at Fermentation: 24 - 26 º C
Fermentation: The grapes were destalked and fermented
in 12 800-litre stainless steel tanks. The juice was pumped over
the skins daily to extract colour, tannins and flavour. Once fermentation
was completed, the wine was left on the skins for a further 5 –
7 days to macerate. The wine was racked off the skins and malolactic
fermentation was completed in the tanks. The wine was then transferred
to French oak barrels for maturation.
Period in Wood: 12 – 16 months in 225 and
300 litre French oak barrels.
Toasting: Medium to Medium Plus
Cellar Master's comments: Grapes were harvested
from various virus free vineyards at Plaisir de Merle. Reduced yields
from five to eight tons per hectare intensified the concentration
and colour of the grapes. The wine is a ripe mix of blackcurrant,
has a plummy sweetness and chocolate flavours with spicy wood tones
backed by soft tannins to ensure its young accessibility and its
maturation potential over the next three to five years
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Plaisir de Merle
Chardonnay Paarl 2003
Flashy style, with lots of fig, butter, pineapple and brioche
aromas and flavors. Lush palate, with a soft, creamy finish. Could use
a little more zip, but will certainly have fans. Drink now. 700 cases
made. (JM)
Plaisir de Merle
Shiraz Paarl 2003
Ripe blackberry and cassis fruit with racy acidity and a
minerally, smoky finish. Solid. Drink now through 2006. 1,000 cases made.
(JM)
Nederburg 2003 Western
Cape Pinotage
87 Points
Saturated with plum and blueberry fruit, this smooth,
smoky pinotage is soft and relatively light. Pair it with the dark meat
of game birds or turkey.
2005 Nederburg
Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape
A Best Buy
This wine has a vegetal character, but tropical fruit
flavors are just as dominant. Intense flavors and aromas, lively acidity
and a warm finish make this an ideal match for oily foods. Imported by
Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.
2003 Nederburg
Pinotage
Western Cape
A Best Buy
This ruby-red wine has a lot to offer. It offers vanilla,
spice, Maraschino cherry and cola in the nose, while the palate is packed
with more cherry, vanilla, a mild minerality and some lemon notes. It
finishes smooth, with coffee and spice. Imported by Dreyfus, Ashby &
Co.
2002 Nederburg
Shiraz
Western Cape
A Best Buy
On the nose, plum and juicy berry are joined by cocoa
powder and vanilla. With ir, grilled meat aromas emerge. The palate starts
out a bit sweet with vanilla, but quickly picks up fruit, spice and charred
meat notes. All this in a package that is soft without being simple.
Wines
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