Description
In the glass, the Syrah reveals a captivating maroon color with hints of deep crimson, promising a rich and indulgent experience. The nose is an aromatic journey, first greeting you with the alluring scent of spiced red cherries that intertwines seamlessly with the delicate sweetness of raspberry cordial. These vibrant fruit notes are further elevated with a whisper of violets, infusing the bouquet with an elegant floral dimension.
The palate is graced with a harmonious balance between red cherry and luscious blackberry, creating a delectable interplay of fruitiness. This fruit-forward profile is deepened by the presence of liquorice, adding a subtle yet distinct element of intrigue to the wine. The texture of this Syrah is a true delight, with soft,
round, and juicy tannins.
These provide a gentle structure, supporting the wine's flavors without overpowering them. The wine's vivacity is underscored by a lively acidity that imparts a refreshing vibrancy.
The palate is graced with a harmonious balance between red cherry and luscious blackberry, creating a delectable interplay of fruitiness. This fruit-forward profile is deepened by the presence of liquorice, adding a subtle yet distinct element of intrigue to the wine. The texture of this Syrah is a true delight, with soft,
round, and juicy tannins.
These provide a gentle structure, supporting the wine's flavors without overpowering them. The wine's vivacity is underscored by a lively acidity that imparts a refreshing vibrancy.
The name Merindol is taken from the Malan Coat of Arms and is the French village where the Malan family originated. Over the past 25 years, Simonsig has replanted its vineyards with the best Syrah clones available.
Each vineyard is planted on a specially selected site to optimize quality. This has led to a dramatic improvement in quality. The Merindol vineyard is planted on a deep red Hutton soil of weathered granite origin. These are the most sought-after soils in Stellenbosch for growing premium red wine. The high clay content has a high water-retention capacity, which sustains the vines during the dry summer months. The vineyard was planted in 1996 with a French Syrah clone SH 99.
Higher rainfall during the 2019 winter months and the coinciding increase in dam levels resulted in better water availability for vineyards. This led to even budbreak and a large number of flowering bunches, which showed early promise for a good season. Conditions remained favorable, except for some wind during flowering and rain during December, which required meticulous vineyard management. Moderate temperatures and dry weather followed, resulting in an excellent season with above-average yields of healthy and excellent-quality grapes. It was an intense season that required immense focus and precise execution to manage.
The vineyard was harvested on 17 March 2020. Most of the grapes were destemmed, with 16% whole bunches added to the ferment. The grapes underwent cold maceration for two days in the tank, after which fermentation commenced. The wine spent a total of 22 days on the skins before pressing. Malolactic fermentation and ageing occurred in 500-litre French oak barrels.
17 months in 500L French oak barrels: 40% 1st fill; 32% 2nd fill; 27% 3rd fill.
Winemaker : Debbie Thompson
Each vineyard is planted on a specially selected site to optimize quality. This has led to a dramatic improvement in quality. The Merindol vineyard is planted on a deep red Hutton soil of weathered granite origin. These are the most sought-after soils in Stellenbosch for growing premium red wine. The high clay content has a high water-retention capacity, which sustains the vines during the dry summer months. The vineyard was planted in 1996 with a French Syrah clone SH 99.
Higher rainfall during the 2019 winter months and the coinciding increase in dam levels resulted in better water availability for vineyards. This led to even budbreak and a large number of flowering bunches, which showed early promise for a good season. Conditions remained favorable, except for some wind during flowering and rain during December, which required meticulous vineyard management. Moderate temperatures and dry weather followed, resulting in an excellent season with above-average yields of healthy and excellent-quality grapes. It was an intense season that required immense focus and precise execution to manage.
The vineyard was harvested on 17 March 2020. Most of the grapes were destemmed, with 16% whole bunches added to the ferment. The grapes underwent cold maceration for two days in the tank, after which fermentation commenced. The wine spent a total of 22 days on the skins before pressing. Malolactic fermentation and ageing occurred in 500-litre French oak barrels.
17 months in 500L French oak barrels: 40% 1st fill; 32% 2nd fill; 27% 3rd fill.
Winemaker : Debbie Thompson
Named after the majestic views of the Simonsberg Mountain, Simonsig Estate is situated in the famous Stellenbosch Winelands just 45 km east of Cape Town. Simonsig Wine Estate comprises 302 hectares with 210 hectares (518 acres) under vines. The ancient soil types consist of sandstone, decomposed granite and shale. All the vineyards receive supplementary irrigation.
The estate was voted top wine producer by no less than three South African wine competitions and bears numerous accolades, including South Africa's Top Shiraz and Woman Winemaker of the Year.
The estate was voted top wine producer by no less than three South African wine competitions and bears numerous accolades, including South Africa's Top Shiraz and Woman Winemaker of the Year.
* Prior vintage described.
