Hartenberg Estate has consistently produced one of South Africa's best expression of Merlot, a variety that is in firm demand amongst consumers, Merlot is brand here before being a grape variety, yet the overall quality across the wine lands are pretty unspiring!
Even more rewarding is Hartenberg price,always over deliver and shows a Merlot does not need to cost twice or three times as much!
The 2011 shows a bright ruby red with garnet reflections towards the rim.
Clean, moderate plus intensity, perfectly ripe red fruits, plums, mulberries, hints of cassis with none of the tell tale bell pepper and herbaceous edge of so many Cape Merlot, subtle oaking lends a perfect touch of spicy complexity and erathy depth.
Dry, juicy and broad texture with moderate tannin structure, plush in a sense, savory with moderate plus acidity, crunchy and fresh, full bodied carries it's high alcohol of 14% abv very well, integrated, best served aerated for at least 90 minute, and served at around 15 degrees celsius, for now until 2018+
