Eikendal Cabernet Merlot 2022

The Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is a powerful red wine cuvée in the classic Bordeaux style - full of character, full-bodied and typical of the renowned Stellenbosch wine region. The nose is dominated by ripe aromas of blackberries and blackcurrants, complemented by notes of cassis and a subtle earthiness, which are particularly typical of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate, the wine impresses with concentrated, fleshy fruit, fine-meshed tannins and a perfect balance of fruity richness and spicy, sweetish toasted aromas of French oak.

The grapes come from high-altitude vineyards on mineral-rich "Koffieklip" soil with a clay subsoil - ideal conditions for complex, long-lasting wines. The vines, planted in 2004, are trained using the vertical shoot position system with sparse irrigation in order to achieve particularly concentrated berries. The grapes are harvested exclusively by hand into small crates, followed by cold maceration, spontaneous fermentation and gentle pressing. The wine matures for 12 months in 300-liter French oak barrels (15% of which are new) before being bottled unfiltered.

This elegant cuvée harmonizes perfectly with beef carpaccio, braised beef rib or a creamy curry dish. Ideally served at 18-20 °C.

Ready to drink now, with potential for a further 10 years of ageing.