Wines of the Day: An interesting Merlot
A bit of an interesting one. South Africa's merlot, generally speaking, needs to step up a bit. She can be smooth and perfect for blending in, or it can all be just one bad hair day!
Image courtesy stock.xchnge
The wines featured here are chosen according to high point scored and 4 or 5 star value for money. In other words, for the price that you pay for the quality which is in the bottle, you will be well pleased with your purchase. Wines with a five star value offer outstanding quality for the price, four star offer very good quality for the price while a one star value, well, it’s your choice.
2009 Lomond Merlot
Tasting Notes
Deep vermillion. Brooding black fruit, youngberry aromas unshowy but with good intensity some savoury wild berry notes clean persistent finish
Occasions
– Elegant Meal
– Winter Meal
– Summer Meal
– Impress your Boss
Goes With
– Lamb
– Cured Meats
– Beef
– Venison
2011 Backsberg Merlot
Tasting Notes
Black edged crimson. Plush cherry, raspberry aromas good fruit intesnity carrying all the through to the finely spiced finish.
Occasions
– Elegant Meal
– Winter Meal
– Summer Meal
– Dazzle a Date
Goes With
– Poultry
– Lamb
– Beef
– Venison
2012 Landskroon Merlot
Tasting Notes
Deep crimson. Intense mulberry and black fruit aromas faint ceder wood spice, textured, slightly tannic palate persistent.
Occasions
– Elegant Meal
– Winter Meal
– Summer Meal
– Dazzle a Date
Goes With
– Lamb
– Potjie/Casserole
– Cured Meats
Is it a good wine?
0 to 50 points: Do not take orally
50 to 60 points: A very ordinary wine
60 to 69 points: Good enough commercial wine
70 to 79 points: Good to very good wine
80 to 89 points: Excellent wine
90 + points: World Class wine
