Established by the French Huguenots in 1693 on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains between Paarl and Franschhoek, Plaisir de Merle is a 974-hectare estate in Simondium, Paarl.
About 400 hectares are planted with a variety of noble grape cultivars such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Malbec, and only about 80 hectares of prime vineyards has been set aside for the Plaisir de Merle cellar.
The diversity of the soils, slopes and elevations is closely linked with the quality of Plaisir de Merle wines. Situated on the east and northeast facing slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, Plaisir de Merle is bordered by the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Plaisir de Merle Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Plaisir de Mer Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 consists of Cabernet Sauvignon (86%); Malbec (3%); Petit Verdot (11%)
The vineyards for this wine, are between 12 and 23 years old and are all located on the south-eastern slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in weathered, decomposed granite soils where the vineyards are shaded from the hot, late afternoon sun, slowing down ripening, resulting in wines with a very typically rich fruit complexity and well-ripened tannins.
Winemaker Niel Bester's comments:
COLOUR: Dark ruby red
BOUQUET: Aromatic nose with red berry fruit, sweet spice and hints of vanilla and oak.
TASTE: Full-bodied, fruit-driven wine with blackberry fruit, cedar notes, dark chocolate and sweet notes of vanilla. The firm, ripe tannin structure on the palate with lingering sweet red berry fruit.
AGEING POTENTIAL: This wine will mature well for ten years and more.
FOOD PAIRING: Very versatile, this wine would best complement all red meat dishes.
The cellar door price of the Plaisir de Merle Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 is R215.00 per bottle.
Chardonnay 2017
Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay 2017
Grapes were sourced from three vineyards ranging from 6 to 7 years in age and situated between 250m and 450m above sea level on the south-eastern slopes of the Simonsberg. The grapes were divided into five different parts and each crushed clarified and fermented separately in 300-litre French oak barrels. A combination of first-fill (65%), second-fill (25%) and third-fill (10%) barrels were used and the wine remained on the lees for 10 months.
Winemaker Niel Bester's comments:
COLOUR: Light straw with a green tint.
BOUQUET: Floral, vanilla, tropical notes and sweet toasted nuts
TASTE: Crisp flintiness, white pear, floral, peach and pineapple ending with a sweet creamy finish.
FOOD PAIRING: Enjoy on its own or with fish, white meats and salads.
TOTAL PRODUCTION: 3 700 cases
The cellar door price of the Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay 2017 is R135.00 per bottle