Laborie Western Cape Merlot 2010 88 Points

www.laboriewines.co.za

www.kwv-wines.com

Clear, day bright, ruby red with garnet rim, medium plus concentration and high viscosity.

Clean, medium plus intensity, ripe red berries, ripe plums, blueberries, cherries, captivating perfume, good Merlot fruit and typicity, spicy paprika, wet earth, delicately oaked lending fragrant vanilla, graphite, and cedar wood, however it should be noted the high alcohol is noticeable on the nose, a little aerating or served slightly chilled should subdue the power, otherwise perfect.

Dry with medium plus acidity, (very good pH for a South African Merlot at 3.44) fresh, elegant, crunchy ripe medium but firm tannin, delicate extraction, very clean juicy red berries fruit medley follows through, savory, medium bodied, high alcohol (14%) follows through, lending a warming aftertaste, medium length, medium complexity, now until 2018

A honest bottle of Merlot with juicy red fruits, none of the hard and green character so common in the majority of South African Merlot, very well made, fresh and vibrant, perfect on it’s own or will be a great partner with a diversity of simple  savory food