Shannon Vineyards Mount Bullet Merlot 2020

Shannon Vineyards makes Mount Bullet in Elgin, a high, cool valley in the Western Cape that was long known for apples and pears before vines proved its quality. The three hectares of vineyard sit on mountain slopes above the Peninsula Dam, split across several plots. Elgin's altitude and the cooling sea air from the nearby coast give a long, slow ripening season, which lets the Merlot develop full flavour while holding firm acidity and fine tannin. The mountain soils drain well and keep yields low, concentrating the fruit. Ageing runs for twenty months in French oak barrels, where the wood adds spice and the slow ingress of oxygen builds structure and softens the tannins over time. The wine is a deep red. The nose shows ripe plum and dark cherry with oak spice, vanilla and a savoury, earthy edge. The palate is full and structured for a Merlot, with firm but ripe tannin, fresh cool-climate acidity and a long finish carrying a touch of cocoa. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast meat and earthy dishes.