I've often said that you have to be an idiot to make a bad merlot but, praise the lord, there are very few of them in the wine world. The next level up for merlot would be acceptable or nice, rapidly followed by exceptional. Thankfully there's one wine making country in the world that is excelling in the exceptional when it comes to Merlot and that is of course South Africa with the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions leading the way.
Merlot is one of the main grapes of Bordeaux but it’s fame and fortune soared over the last couple of decades of the 20th century with quality plantings all over the New World. Winemakers realised the potential of this easy to grow and easy to drink variety, initially as a blender with Cabernet as in Bordeaux but later as a fabulous single variety. There’s another style called, white Merlot that looks like a rose with anemia but avoid it like the plague; personally I’d rather trim my fingernails or wax my legs because life really is too short for it.
So, what should you look for in a good merlot? First of all it should be inky black in the glass with ripe juicy red fruits on the nose, perhaps interspersed with vegetal or flowery notes. The palate should be full of chewy redcurrants and cherries or even ripe plums with hints of chocolate and the texture should be velvety and really luxurious. So there you are folks, unlike the old adverts, happiness isn't a Hamlet Cigar, it’s a glass of Merlot, and preferably from South Africa!
Ken Forrester, Pat’s Garden Merlot, SA
A big full on Merlot with dark cherries and hints of mint on the palate with a lovely toasty finish. I've never had a bad wine from this vineyard.
Excel Wines £13.00
Anthonij Rupert, Protea Merlot, SA
A fresh and vibrant style of Merlot with black cherries and violet aromas on the nose backed up by lush fruits on the palate. It’s got just enough acidity to give it a fresh, zesty finish.
WoodWinters £13.00
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