Raka Barrel Select Merlot 2021
Merlot
Description
Raka Wines is situated near Stanford in the Kleinrivier Ward, a cool-climate pocket influenced by close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Walker Bay. Founded by former deep-sea fisherman Piet Dreyer, the estate has become known for producing structured, site-driven wines with strong varietal expression and a clear sense of place.
The vineyards experience strong maritime influence, with cooling sea breezes helping to slow ripening and preserve natural acidity. This allows varieties such as Merlot to develop flavour concentration while retaining freshness and balance.
The Barrel Select range represents Raka’s more premium, cellar-focused wines. The 2021 Merlot was matured in French oak barrels to build texture and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The resulting style is polished and layered, balancing ripe dark fruit with savoury detail and fine tannin structure.
Colour:
Deep ruby red with a dark garnet core.
Nose:
Aromas of black cherry, plum and mulberry lead the nose, followed by cedar, dark chocolate, tobacco leaf and subtle dried herbs.
Palate:
Medium- to full-bodied, with supple tannins and a smooth, rounded texture. Ripe black fruit flavours are supported by notes of cocoa, spice and gentle oak influence, while the cool-climate freshness keeps the palate focused and balanced rather than heavy.
Finish:
Long and savoury, with lingering dark berry fruit, mocha and fine oak spice.
Buy now. Pay later. 0% Interest
Choose your payment plan, and pay from as little as R 59.50 today with Payflex
No Deposit. Only R 119.00 on your next two paycheques. Interest free.
Guarantee safe & secure checkout
Raka Barrel Select Merlot 2021
- Food Pairing : Raka Barrel Select Merlot 2021 pairs particularly well with richer comfort-style dishes where the wine’s supple tannins and savoury depth can shine. Try it with slow-cooked beef brisket, roast lamb, mushroom risotto or grilled pork loin. The wine’s dark fruit and subtle oak spice also complement tomato-based pasta dishes and mature hard cheeses, while the natural acidity helps keep richer flavours balanced and fresh on the palate.
- Drink before: Cellaring Potential: 6–10 years.
- Vintage: 2021
- Manufacturer: Raka
- Region: Klein River
- Medals Won: Michelangelo International Wine & Spirit Awards - Gold. Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2024 - 4 Stars.
- Grapes used to make this wine were grown in: Glenrosa and Oakleaf
- Sugar Content: 2.6g/L
- Alcohol Content: 14%
Stock and Delivery:
In Stock: Standard delivery within 5 days
Stock at supplier: Delivery within 10 - 15 days
R99 Nationwide
Free Delivery: On orders over R2 000
Our Guarantee:
We guarantee a full credit on the cost of the wine, no questions asked, and we will also collect the remainder of any pack and refund you in full if you are unhappy with the quality, the service or any aspect of Wine-of-the-Month Club.
Replacements:
In the unlikely event that there is a broken bottle in your case, please tell us immediately and we will credit your account. We reserve the right to substitute product if stock runs out, to the same or higher value of the stock.
Please note:
These figures are subject to change.
