Remhoogte, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch (Coastal Region, South Africa) Merlot 2018

 Remhoogte’s Aspect Merlot is sourced from a single plot of Estate vineyard.  The vineyard’s south-west exposure provides both access to the Cape Doctor, a dry south-easterly wind that keeps the grapes cooler, while providing less sun exposure. The vineyard’s aspect points south and away from the sun.  Winemaker Chris Boustred trained in Pomerol and Fronsac and this wine is a touch reminiscent of his time training in France.  His French training comes through, producing a wine that has both new world fruit and old world integration — black cherry and black plum balance nicely against subtle, vanilla, clove, leather, and graphite notes.  For a red wine in the mid-$20 price-range, this wine is easily outperforming its price point.