Post House Blackmail Merlot 750ml

Juicy and full-finished, nose of raspberries and fynbos, with a hint of mint and violets.

A very elegant wine, with supple firm tannins, and an underlying cherry fruit structure giving it a juicy, but full, finish. Drinking well now, but will benefit from a year to two for bottle maturation.

Post House Cellars derives its name from the small post office which used to serve the local missionary community of Raithby, and which is now the winery office and residence. The farm was bought by the Gebers family in 1981 in the picturesque area between the towns of Somerset West and Stellenbosch, and is situated at the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain. On a clear day Cape Point and False Bay are visible from the winery. This area is one of the preeminent wine regions in South Africa. Situated 7km from the False Bay coast a breach in the coastal ridge channels the south and south west winds towards the vineyards. These are generally cool breezes; they help moderate summer temperatures. The property covers a total of 71 hectares of which 45 hectares falls under vineyard. As of 2004 the vineyard comprises of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.

The grapes were fermented, using natural yeasts from the vineyard, in open stainless steel tanks at 28-30°C. The skins were pushed down 4-5 times during peak fermentation. Malolactic fermentation took place in the barrel. The wine had minimal handling and use was made of traditional gravity flow. No mechanical pumps were used in the wine-making process or the transfer of wine. The wines were racked 4 times over a 24-month period. There was no filtration and the sulphur levels were kept to a minimum. Aged in 30% new French oak barrels, 24 months in 225 litre barrels.

Tasting Note

Rich and plummy with hints of mint and violets. On the palate, the wine has firm tannins with an underlying note of cherry fruit, before a dry finish.