Full red berry and blackberry fruit, with vanilla, toast and mocha notes.
Has a bit of a veneer of toast on the finish, but solid fruit up front.
Drink now through 2004. 300 cases imported. (JM)
Plaisir de Merle - Merlot Paarl 1999
Score: 85
Issue: Web Only (2003)
Has a mature edge to the plum and black cherry fruit, with mint, vanilla
and cedar hints. A bit trim on the finish with a piney hint, but still
solid. Drink now. 500 cases imported. (JM)
Report from Plaisir de Merle – 2003 Harvest
05 March 2003 by Distell Boutique Wines
Distell Boutique Wines Newsletter
Interestingly enough, on the other side of the Simonsberg, conditions
Plaisir de Merle seem quite different from Uitkyk’s. According to
resident winemaker, Niel Bester, their harvest is definitely later than
usual with more moderate temperatures recorded when compared with the
last few years. Niel says that the grapes have ripened at a better, slower
rate so there is generally a better concentration of flavour in the berries
as well as better tannin structure and greater complexity.
However, Niel warns that because it hasn't been so hot, the sugars are
not as high so therefore the alcohol levels in the wines will be lower
than in recent years. ‘So we're going to make flavourful, complex
wines without the weight of the alcohol we had in previous vintages,’
he says.
‘It's still early days,’ he continues, ‘but I'm pretty
positive. We've no disease to speak of and the all round quality is excellent.’
But that's all he's prepared to say as this man is busier than he's ever
been as he's pressing 40% more grapes this year. And if you ask why, he'll
give it to you straight: ‘There's such a high demand for our wines
internationally we just have to produce more. Fortunately the new plantings
are now coming into bearing and their quality is of such a high level
that we can make more of the same standard this vintage.’
And now he definitely has to be off as the tractors are lining up at
the cellar door with bins groaning with delicious black Cabernet grapes.
Regular travelers on the airways for nine years ago
Plaisir de Merle wines have been regular travellers on
the airways since this prestigious cellar near Simondium opened nine years
ago. The latest to reach for the skies on British Airways is Plaisir de
Merle Sauvignon Blanc 2001, selected for first class passengers until
July next year.
SAA passengers will be able to enjoy Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay 2000
and Plaisir de Merle Cabernet Sauvignon Cellarmaster’s Release 1999
– a limited release of 100 per cent pure Cabernet – both selected
as wine of the month for November 2002. The remaining stocks are only
available from the farm.
Plaisir de Merle wines are no strangers to SAA, with a total of ten of
its wines being selected for SAA since 1996.
United Arab Emirates airline passengers have also enjoyed the company
of Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay 1994, selected for the First Class passenger
winelist in 1996.
Issued by: Jenny McQueen & Associates on behalf of Plaisir de Merle
Information: Carlen Groenewald, Marketing, Plaisir de Merle
Tel: +27 (0) 21 809-7000
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Current Information
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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.
