The 2022 Merlot features an excellent deep red color with enticing aromas of ripe red berries, cocoa, a hint of mint, and chocolate. On the palate, it reveals a well-balanced tannin structure, rich body, and a lingering fruity aftertaste. A beautifully crafted wine for those who appreciate depth and complexity.
When the grapes arrive at the cellar by tractor, the bunches are hand-sorted before being destemmed. The loose berries undergo further hand-sorting before being lightly crushed. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks with regular pump-overs (twice a day) to extract color and flavor. The Merlot was fermented dry on the skins before pressing.
The free-run wine was kept separate from the press fraction. A portion of the Merlot underwent malolactic fermentation in barrels, while the remaining wine underwent malolactic fermentation in tanks. A selection of new, second-fill, and third-fill French oak barrels was used to mature the Merlot for 12 months. Regular racking ensured excellent integration between the wood, fruit, and tannins.
Winemaker: Wynand Lategan
The free-run wine was kept separate from the press fraction. A portion of the Merlot underwent malolactic fermentation in barrels, while the remaining wine underwent malolactic fermentation in tanks. A selection of new, second-fill, and third-fill French oak barrels was used to mature the Merlot for 12 months. Regular racking ensured excellent integration between the wood, fruit, and tannins.
Winemaker: Wynand Lategan
For centuries, Lanzerac has been a true icon of South African Winelands. This graceful estate has played host to untold numbers of Stellenbosch residents, as well as visitors from home and abroad, for more than 300 years.
Lanzerac's recorded history began in 1692 when then Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, granted a piece of land in the pristine Jonkershoek Valley to Isaac Schrijver, an enterprising. Originally named Schoongezicht, Lanzerac changed hands several times, with each owner contributing to the legacy and heritage of this unique property.
While wine has been an integral part of this Estate since its beginning Lanzerac also holds significant historical value with all of the historical buildings representing distinctive examples of Cape Dutch architecture.
Today the Estate covers an area of about 150 hectares, of these, 50 hectares consist of vineyards. Noble cultivars that include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Merlot, Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot grace a variety of soil types and micro-climates.
Lanzerac's recorded history began in 1692 when then Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, granted a piece of land in the pristine Jonkershoek Valley to Isaac Schrijver, an enterprising. Originally named Schoongezicht, Lanzerac changed hands several times, with each owner contributing to the legacy and heritage of this unique property.
While wine has been an integral part of this Estate since its beginning Lanzerac also holds significant historical value with all of the historical buildings representing distinctive examples of Cape Dutch architecture.
Today the Estate covers an area of about 150 hectares, of these, 50 hectares consist of vineyards. Noble cultivars that include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Merlot, Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot grace a variety of soil types and micro-climates.
