Glenelly, The Glass Collection Merlot 2020

Glenelly Estate, located in the picturesque Ida’s Valley of Stellenbosch, South Africa, was founded by May de Lencquesaing, former owner of Bordeaux’s Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. Her vision was to produce wines that marry the elegance of French tradition with the richness of South African terroir. The Glass Collection Merlot 2020 exemplifies this philosophy, offering a vibrant and expressive rendition of the varietal.

The 2020 vintage experienced an exceptionally warm and dry spring, resulting in good and even bud burst. Temperatures during flowering and berry set were moderate, with significant rainfall towards the end of October replenishing soil moisture and leading to stress-free flowering and berry development. The growing season was characterised by moderate conditions and timely rainfall at the start of harvest, laying the foundation for a quality vintage. Grapes were hand-sorted and lightly crushed into stainless steel fermentation tanks, followed by a cold soak for three days before natural fermentation commenced. Post-fermentation, the wine underwent extended skin contact for 2-3 weeks and was then matured for 12 months in French oak barrels, with regular rackings every four months.

Appearance: The wine exhibits a deep, rich ruby-red colour, indicating its concentration and depth. A subtle garnet hue at the rim suggests a touch of evolution while maintaining its youthful vibrancy. The clarity and brilliance in the glass reflect meticulous winemaking, while slow-moving legs indicate a balanced structure with refined texture.

Aroma: The nose presents intense dark fruit aromas, including black cherries and plums, complemented by subtle hints of chocolate and spicy undertones. As the wine opens, delicate notes of spearmint, cedar, and crushed violets emerge, adding layers of complexity and intrigue. A gentle oak influence brings nuances of vanilla and toasted almonds, enhancing the aromatic profile.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-structured, showcasing generous fruit flavours of dark berries, ripe plums, and juicy blackcurrants. The richness is balanced by fine, well-integrated tannins that provide structure without overpowering the fruit. Subtle nuances of dark chocolate, sweet spice, and roasted coffee beans add depth, leading to a harmonious and satisfying mouthfeel.

Finish: The finish is long, silky, and well-balanced, with the vibrant dark fruit flavours slowly fading into layers of mocha, cedarwood, and sweet spice. A final touch of graphite minerality adds elegance and refinement, while the polished tannins leave a velvety impression. A delicate note of dried herbs and black pepper lingers, enhancing the wine’s complexity. The seamless integration of fruit, acidity, and oak ensures a graceful and persistent aftertaste, making this Merlot both structured and immensely drinkable.

Food Pairing: This Merlot pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It complements red meats such as beef or lamb, where the wine’s structure and depth enhance the richness of the meat. Slow-braised short ribs or herb-crusted lamb chops make for excellent pairings. For a vegetarian option, consider roasted vegetable dishes, wild mushroom risotto, or hearty lentil stews, all of which harmonise with the wine’s fruity and spicy notes. Aged cheeses, such as Comté or Gouda, also bring out its smooth and elegant character.

The Glenelly Glass Collection Merlot 2020 showcases the estate’s dedication to producing wines that reflect both their French heritage and South African roots, offering a distinctive and memorable tasting experience