{"product_id":"marklew-merlot-2023","title":"Marklew Merlot 2023","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarklew Family Wines is a boutique, family-run producer based at De Goede Sukses in the Simonsberg ward of Stellenbosch. \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Marklew family has farmed the 45-hectare property since 1970, with the vineyards planted in dryland conditions in the deep red soils of this renowned Stellenbosch terroir. The combination of warm days and the influence of the surrounding mountains helps produce grapes with concentration while retaining the structure needed for age-worthy wines. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Marklew Merlot 2023 was hand-picked at optimum ripeness from 15- to 25-year-old dryland vineyards. The wine is deliberately made in a style that sits between New World generosity and Old World structure. Following an extended maceration and fermentation, the wine is matured for 18 months in predominantly first-, second- and third-fill barrels, with 95% French oak and 5% American oak. Malolactic fermentation is completed in barrel, adding to the wine’s rounded texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColour: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep ruby-red with excellent depth of colour.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRipe blackberry and cherry aromas lead, with darker berry fruit followed by warm cinnamon spice and subtle oak notes. There is also a gentle richness reminiscent of dark chocolate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull-bodied and generously fruited, with ripe berry and cherry flavours at the centre. The wine has substantial but rounded tannins, giving it weight and structure without making it feel harsh. Eighteen months in oak adds gentle spice and savoury depth, while the fruit remains firmly at the forefront.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong and smooth, with ripe dark fruit, cinnamon spice and a lingering dark-chocolate character. The tannins provide a firm, polished close and should allow the wine to develop further in bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Marklew","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46175821496499,"sku":"RW2302ME02","price":250.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/MarklewMerlot2023.jpg?v=1791377546","url":"https:\/\/www.wineofthemonth.co.za\/products\/marklew-merlot-2023","provider":"Wine of the Month","version":"1.0","type":"link"}