Rockcliffe Peaceful Bay Merlot

This Merlot displays a deep crimson color with a plum hue. The nose is elegant, offering enticing aromas of dark berries complemented by a subtle savory undertone. On the palate, rich flavors of blackberry and red currants are balanced by notes of chocolate and ripe plums, leading to a long, persistent finish. The wine combines richness and depth, creating a smooth and satisfying experience from start to finish.

The Merlot was machine harvested, destemmed, and crushed into open fermenters, where it underwent a 6-8 day cold soak. Afterward, the juice was warmed up and inoculated with Bordeaux yeast. Fermentation began with twice-daily pump overs for aeration, while the temperature was maintained between 24-26°C to allow slow tannin extraction and enhance fermentation complexity. After fermentation, the wine was pressed and transferred to barrel for malolactic fermentation, ensuring a soft integration of grape and oak tannins. The wine was then fined with egg whites before being bottled.