2017 MERLOT, Villiera. Stellenbosch, South Africa

100% Merlot, matured in French oak (25% new oak).

From the website of UK agent Richard Kelley:
“This substantial farm on the edge of the Stellenbosch appellation was purchased by the Grier’s in 1983, although they elected to keep the name of the previous owners, the de Villiers family. Of the 400 hectares, around half is dedicated to vineyards with the balance set aside as a wildlife reserve. This is the quintessential family business, with cousins Simon and Jeff working in the vines and cellar respectively, whilst Jeff’s sister, Cathy, runs the sales and marketing.
One of the early supporters of ‘green’ viticulture, viticulturist Simon Grier has always been a keen supporter of maintaining environmentally friendly vineyard practices. The farm has not sprayed insecticides for the past thirteen years and a flock of 1000 Peking ducks are responsible for some natural pest control.
The Grier’s are also responsible for running several social upliftment projects off the farm, including a day care centre for educating the 30-odd children, belonging to Villiera’s farm workers, and an after-school club.”

Really intelligent winemaking – a proportion of “whole bunches” to add juiciness; not too much extraction to avoid any heaviness; gentle use of oak. All combine to bring out the best of Merlot: soft, supple and charming, eschewing the leaden-footed, lumpiness that ruin so many examples of this grape,