EAGLES NEST MERLOT

Opinion/Accolades:
Located on the crest of Constantia Nek pass, this pristine and boutique family owned vineyard has in recent years gained a striking reputation for both its beauty and award-winning wines. This is a typical cool climate Merlot with a gorgeous plum colour. The wine is well rounded with a velvety, lingering finish. Eagles Nest’s unique terroir, combined with meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards and cellar, yields wines that are the epitome of elegance and balance.
Accolades: Wine Advocate: 90 Points, SAWI Awards 2017: Grand Gold, Tim Atkin SA Report 2016: 91 Points Awards ,4.5 Stars, 2018 Platter Wine Guide

Appearance: Aroma: Taste
This wine exhibits intense flavors of dark berries and spice, with an underlying hint of mocca and tobacco aromas. Meticulous attention in the vineyard and cellar combine to produce a wine with textured fruit purity and tantalizingly firm yet balanced tannins. As with all Eagles’ Nest red’s there is a subtle peppery savouriness that makes this wine both distinctive and gives testament to its origin on a cool wind-swept mountainside. The palate is a satisfying combination of perfectly ripe berry fruit, subtle spice, with a persistent mouthfeel. This wine is ready to drink now but will benefit from correct cellaring until 2030.
Merlot 92%; Cabernet Franc 8%

Personal Food pairing:
Try pairing fattier cuts of beef (T-bone steak, rib-eye and Porterhouse) with a wine that has a high tannin count such as Merlot. I tried it with grilled lamb which had a dry spicy rub, it cleansed the palate, and didn’t overshadow the delicate meat flavor of the lamb. I have not had veal with a Merlot,however reports suggest veal can pair well with very full-bodied dry red wine, and can also pair well with full-bodied wine. Keep in mind that the more complex the veal dish (such as stew, which has several different flavors), the more acidity it should have. It should be able to cut through the flavor without out-shining it.