Organic Merlot `The Claypot` Laibach 2018

Country
South Africa
Region
Stellenbosch
Producer
Laibach Vineyards
Grape(s)
Merlot (100%)
Type
Red
Style
Complex
Oaked Style
Lightly oaked
Body Style
Full bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Dry
Alcohol Content
14.5%
Closure Style
Cork
Organic/Biodynamic
Organic
Sustainable
Yes-certified sustainable
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No

Region

This famous region is 30 miles north east of Cape Town yet still close enough to the ocean to benefit from cool maritime conditions. These beautiful vineyards are dominated by scenic mountains and the region is home to some of the Cape`s most famous and influential wine estates. The most noted and important vineyards are located on the prized slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain. This small and highly rated sub-zone has fantastic terroir and is where many of South Africa`s top red cuvees are produced.

Producer

One of the Cape`s more recent wine estates having been purchased by the Laibach-Kuehner family in the early 1990s. An initial investment saw the 40 hectare property totally replanted and this was followed by the building of a state of the art and contemporary winery. Stuffed full of modern winemaking kit but using traditional barrel ageing, this is a wine estate with a growing reputation right on top of its game. Managed by the very likeable Mike Malherbe, a totally fanatical grape grower and in tandem with the exceptionally talented winemaker, Francois van Zyl they endeavour to craft modern drinkable and delicious wines for a sophisticated and discerning market. The first winery in South Africa to convert to organic viticulture in the early 2000s.
Tasting Notes
Named after the type of soil on which these vines are planted, at the top of the slope above the winery. Hand sorted with a long extended fermentation and then aged in new oak barrels for eighteen months. This wine was specially created from the BEST two barrels within the lot, making only 580 bottles for the world. This exceptional wine has a lovely deep concentrated colour. The bouquet shows the true characteristic of this grape with hints of dark bitter chocolate, blackberry and fantastic classy oak. Full bodied with great structure and concentration of flavour, beautifully complemented with a silky smooth finish.
Food
Beef wellington, sweet and sour beef and Mexican enchaladas.
Media
Awarded 93 points in The Platter Wine Guide 2021.