{"product_id":"boekenhoutskloof-porcupine-ridge-merlot-2019-750ml","title":"Boekenhoutskloof - Porcupine Ridge Merlot 2020 (750ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003eABOUT PORCUPINE RIDGE\u003cbr\u003eThe Porcupine Ridge brand has its origins in the natural environment of the\u003cbr\u003efarm and the ongoing efforts to conserve the biodiversity on the property and\u003cbr\u003ethe surrounding mountains. In addition to a number of rare fauna and flora\u003cbr\u003especies – such as the erica lerouxiae which is endemic to Boekenhoutskloof –\u003cbr\u003ethe farm is home to a several Crested Porcupine families, which are however\u003cbr\u003erarely seen due to their nocturnal lifestyle.\u003cbr\u003e“These wines are honest, true to type, and true to cultivar. Our winemaking\u003cbr\u003ephilosophy has always been to follow a natural approach of no acidification\u003cbr\u003eand no additions. The resulting wines are much more about a generous palate\u003cbr\u003eweight than simple primary aromatics followed by acidity. ” ~ Marc Kent\u003cbr\u003eVINIFICATION \u0026amp; WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS\u003cbr\u003eGrapes for our Porcupine Ridge Merlot are sourced from the Helderberg area\u003cbr\u003eand surrounding Stellenbosch vineyards. Vineyard parcels with balanced\u003cbr\u003eyields and particular soils (mainly decomposed “koffieklip) were selected to\u003cbr\u003eaccentuate the dark berry fruit character, which we strive for in this wine. The\u003cbr\u003e2020 harvest saw significantly more rainfall than previous drought-stricken\u003cbr\u003eyears. We had excellent growing conditions throughout the vintage, which\u003cbr\u003eensured healthy full-flavoured Merlot berries. Before controlled fermentation\u003cbr\u003ein stainless steel, a cold soak for two days ensured good extraction and colour\u003cbr\u003estability. We chose specific yeast strains to enhance the fruit flavours of the\u003cbr\u003ewine further and opted for gentle winemaking practices to provide a beautiful,\u003cbr\u003eround mouthfeel. Tannin management is vital with Merlot and therefore chose\u003cbr\u003eto use old French oak barrels to focus on fruit rather than oak extraction.\u003cbr\u003eTASTING NOTE\u003cbr\u003eThe nose is opulent and entices with a red and dark berry fruit profile, showing\u003cbr\u003echerry, redcurrant, ripe plum, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg with subtle\u003cbr\u003escents of dried herbs. The wine is elegant with an exceptionally smooth\u003cbr\u003emidpalate and plush, silky texture, showing darker berry fruit flavours with\u003cbr\u003efine-grained, integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Dark chocolate and\u003cbr\u003ehints of white pepper and nutmeg linger on a classic mocha finish.\u003cbr\u003eANALYSIS\u003cbr\u003eWINE OF ORIGIN COASTAL REGION\u003cbr\u003eALC: 14.82%vol • RS: 3.20 g\/l • TA: 4.6 g\/l • pH: 3.85\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Boekenhoutskloof","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42975561515232,"sku":"101186","price":20.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0649\/9713\/0464\/products\/boekenhoutskloof-porcupine-ridge-merlot_1.jpg?v=1663883393","url":"https:\/\/www.mywineconnection.com\/products\/boekenhoutskloof-porcupine-ridge-merlot-2019-750ml","provider":"My Wine Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}