The grapes for Boschendal 1685 Merlot originated from various high-quality vineyard sites around Stellenbosch and Elgin and, when blended, these specific vineyards’ profiles provide the inherent nuances for the character of this wine. The vineyards ranged in age from 6 to 22 years old and were planted on a variety of soils.

The vineyards were handpicked during March, and all the grapes and bunches were sorted in the vineyard to ensure that no green or unripe berries reached the winery. A further berry sorting was done at the winery just after crushing to ensure that only the most perfect berries reached the fermentation tanks. This process ensured that Boschendal 1685 Merlot would be of the highest quality once it was finally bottled.

On the nose
Rich red cherry, blueberry and plum notes with a hint of dark chocolate. Good fruit intensity.

On the palate
Rich red cherry plum and pronounced ripe mulberry flavours. An elegant cool-climate style of wine with intensity of fruit and length. Good natural balance between primary fruit aromas, colour and structure extraction, rounded and integrated by subtle oak ageing from larger 300-litre barrels.

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