Excelsior Robertson Merlot
Description
Experience the exquisite essence of the Excelsior Robertson Merlot 2021, a distinguished red wine hailing from the renowned Breede River Valley in South Africa. This medium-bodied wine captures the beauty of its vintage with an impressive ABV of 14.5%, making it a perfect addition to your collection or a delightful companion for any gathering.
The 2021 Robertson Merlot enchants with an aromatic profile that opens with ripe notes of plum, black cherry, and raspberry, accompanied by earthy undertones and soft hints of mentholated herbs. As you indulge, flavors evolve into layers of cocoa and vanilla, resulting in a velvety texture that is both satisfying and approachable on the palate.
To fully appreciate the unique characteristics of this Merlot, consider the following serving suggestions:
- Serve slightly chilled at 14–16°C to enhance its freshness and fruit-forward character.
- Present in large balloon glasses to allow the aromas to develop, and consider decanting for 30 minutes to elevate its smoothness and complexity.
- Pair beautifully with grilled pork chops glazed in cherry or berry sauces alongside roasted root vegetables to complement its fruit and earth tones.
- For a refreshing twist, create a red wine spritzer by mixing one part chilled Merlot with one part sparkling water, adding a splash of blackberry syrup and garnishing with fresh blackberries.
- Enjoy with a dark chocolate and blue cheese board to experience an intriguing contrast of flavors.
- Use as a versatile cooking wine to create a warm mulled wine alternative while gently warming with spices.
- Elevate desserts by pouring over warmed berry compote and vanilla bean ice cream for a refined red wine sauce.
- Complement the wine with a rustic charcuterie platter, featuring smoked sausages, aged gouda, olives, and toasted walnuts for an elevated tasting experience.
Ensure optimal storage conditions for your bottle, maintaining a stable temperature between 13°C and 16°C and away from direct light. With its layered complexity and smooth texture, the Excelsior Robertson Merlot 2021 is an inviting choice for any occasion, ideal for both casual sipping and memorable meals.
Tasting notes
Nose
Palate
Finish
Key features
| Grape Variety Proportions | 100% Merlot |
|---|---|
| Producer | Excelsior |
| ABV | 14.50% |
| Bottle Size | 75 cl |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Breede River Valley |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Closure | Stelvin Lux |
Dietary Notes
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Serving suggestions
- Serve slightly chilled at 14–16°C to highlight its freshness and fruit character ideal for warm evenings or casual outdoor gatherings.
- Present in large balloon glasses to enhance aroma development; decant for 30 minutes for extra smoothness and complexity.
- Pair with grilled pork chops glazed in cherry or berry sauces and roasted root vegetables like parsnips and beets for harmony with fruit and earth tones.
- For a creative twist make a red wine spritzer mixing 1 part chilled red wine 1 part sparkling water a splash of blackberry syrup and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and fresh blackberries.
- Serve alongside a dark chocolate and blue cheese board for a sophisticated contrast of bitterness creaminess and tannins.
- On special occasions use as a cooking wine gently warmed with cinnamon sticks cloves and orange peel to create a warm mulled wine alternative for sipping.
- Introduce fun by pouring over a warmed berry compote and vanilla bean ice cream to create an elegant red wine sauce dessert.
- Complement the wine with a rustic charcuterie platter featuring smoked sausages aged gouda olives and toasted walnuts for an approachable yet elevated experience.
Storage advice
For storing red wine like Merlot 2021 (a medium-bodied red) maintain a temperature between 55°F and 60°F (13°C to 16°C) to optimize aging and preserve flavor balance. Keep the temperature stable as fluctuations can damage the wine by accelerating aging or muting taste.
Store the bottle away from direct light ideally in a cool dark place like a wine cellar basement or a wine cabinet with a door to protect from sunlight damage that can degrade the wine's quality.
Keep the bottle horizontally to ensure the cork stays moist from contact with the wine preventing air from entering and causing oxidation.
Maintain humidity at around 70% to prevent cork drying and shrinkage which can lead to leaks and oxidation.
For unopened bottles ensure the sealing is intact and avoid vibrations. For opened bottles reseal tightly (using the original cork a wine stopper or vacuum seal) and store in the refrigerator to slow oxidation; consume within a few days for best quality.
Avoid storing red wine at temperatures near or below refrigeration (under 50°F) for long periods as cold slows proper aging; also avoid storing near heat sources or fluctuating temperatures.
Disclaimer
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Therefore, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the vintage, product descriptions, or other details provided.
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Supplier information is subject to change without our direct knowledge, and discrepancies may occur. We are committed to providing the best possible service and information, but the responsibility for verifying critical details, especially those related to health, allergies, and dietary requirements, rests with the consumer upon receipt of the product.
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