Merlot Reserve 1.5L

Best end rack of new season lamb, baby new potatoes, fresh garden peas and a touch of mint. Alternatively, an aged Comté with freshly baked sour dough bread.

Winter 2017 was a continuation of the drought. Spring brought showers which assisted early growing. These continued through until December. Not a particularly windy vintage allowed the bunches to develop well. February and March were noteworthy for a lack of heatwave; long cool nights and pleasant late summer days which contributed to exceptional ripeness. This was our latest harvest time for a few years. Our 2018 wines are concentrated with dense flavours and good structure.

Matured for 22 months in 70% new French oak barrels. Bottled 2 May 2020. Limited production of 163 x 1.5l magnum bottles and 2,016 750ml bottles.

Harvested on 23rd March 2018 compared with the beginning of March for the 2017 vintage. Hand selected bunches underwent individual berry selection to ensure only the best fruit was fermented. 100% of the fruit was fermented as berries in barrel. All fermentation was spontaneous (wild) with no commercial yeast added. 60 days post fermentation maceration.

Holden Manz is a family owned wine producer located in the heart of the beautiful Franschhoek Valley. Established by owners Gerard Holden & Migo Manz in 2010 the estate grows cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and syrah and sources a selection of white varietals from specialist growers.