Kloovenburg wins Top 10 SA Merlot competition – R140pb
“WARM RED flavours, cloves and blackcurrant. A delicate palate with juicy tannins. Pairs well with Italian dishes, especially tomato-based ones, grilled chicken and Charcuterie, e.g. pâtés, terrines and salamis.” That’s how the Du Toit family describe their 2021 Kloovenburg Merlot, the highest scoring wine in the SA Merlot industry association’s 2024 Taransaud Top 10 competition. Single vineyard (22-year-old vines), WO Swartland – Riebeek Kasteel. R140pb ex-cellar.
For all of the wines in the Hallo Merlot Top 10, see below. The panel of judges: Vondeling winemaker Matthew Copeland (chair), wine writer Samarie Smith-Meletiou, Windmeul winemaker Jenna Higgins, Elgr Restaurant sommelier LeRoi van der Vyver, Delaire Graff winemaker Morné Vrey, SA Brandy ambassador Shane Mumba.
Anthonij Rupert Merlot 2018
R450pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Bein Little Merlot 2021
R130pb ex-cellar, Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch
Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Reserve Merlot 2021
R600pb ex-cellar, Banghoek, Stellenbosch
Dornier Merlot 2020
R195pb ex-cellar, Upper Blaauwklippen Valley, Stellenbosch
Glenelly Glass Collection Merlot 2020
R165pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch
Kloovenburg Merlot 2021
R140pb ex-cellar, Riebeek Kasteel, Swartland
Nilberg Merlot 2017
Price t.b.a. – Stellenbosch cellar
Nilberg Merlot Reserve 2018
Price t.b.a. – Stellenbosch cellar
Quoin Rock Merlot 2021
Price t.b.a. – Stellenbosch cellar
Zorgvliet Merlot 2021
R205pb ex-cellar, Banghoek, Stellenbosch
That 63 wines were entered in the Hallo Merlot Top 10 competition shows a diversity of terroir harnessed by a collective commitment to making excellent wines from this esteemed Bordeaux variety. With local wine drinkers buying more Merlot than any other single red variety, this competition aims to create an awareness of the high standard of winemaking and the specific regional identities found in the country’s Merlot offering.