Merlot Reserve

Best end rack of new season lamb, baby new potatoes, fresh garden peas and a touch of mint.

Another drought vintage! Winter 2016 was cool with good early rains in June however this did not continue and August was warm and dry resulting in early bud burst. The re-occurrence of a strong south-easter at inopportune moments caused the berries to be smaller but with good colour, acidity and taste profile. A low disease index minimized spray intervention while maintaining a very healthy crop. The harvest season was noteworthy for its lack of heatwave; long cool nights and pleasant late summer days which contributed to exceptional ripeness. Our 2017 wines are concentrated with dense flavours and good

Matured for 22 months in 70% new French oak barrels. Limited production of 163 x 1.5l magnum bottles and 1,714 750ml bottles.

Harvested on 1st and 3rd March 2017 compared with 24th and 26th March for the 2016 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.

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.