Plaisir de Merle is situated at the epicentre of the most awarded winemaking regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. It was established by French Huguenots in 1693. In addition to some 400ha under vine, the farm is home to a cutting-edge winery and fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture.

The farm’s vineyards for this wine are between 12 and 23 years of age. They grow in decomposed granite soils along the south-eastern slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain where peaks shield them from late afternoon heat. This slows ripening, resulting in wines with complexity and well-ripened tannins.

Tasting Notes: this dark, ruby-red wine shows aromas of red berry fruit, sweet spice and hints of vanilla and oak. Firm and ripe in tannin structure, the wine is full-bodied and fruit-driven, with flavours of blackberry fruit, cedar and dark chocolate, and the nuanced sweetness of vanilla. The red-berry fruit shows in the lingering finish.

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