Pour this and you get a glass that's all about juicy dark cherry and a soft, easy grip. No harsh edges, no homework required. There's a little spice and a whisper of coffee humming underneath, which is the fun part most cheap Merlots can't pull off. It's the bottle you open on a weeknight without thinking twice, then quietly reach for again. Dry, generous, and very happy next to a plate of grilled meat.
Nose first: ripe cherry and plum, with a smoky coffee note curling around the edges. The first sip is round and juicy, more red and dark fruit than oak, and the tannins (the stuff that dries your gums on a big red) are soft and gentle here, so it goes down smooth. A little peppery spice on the finish keeps it interesting rather than sweet. It reads dry, which means not sweet, just full of fruit. Medium body, the kind you can drink on its own or send straight at dinner.
The details
Pairs well with
Where it's from
This comes from the De Wet family's Excelsior Estate in Robertson, a valley tucked between two mountain ranges along the Breede River in South Africa's Western Cape. Cool fact: the farm started out breeding racehorses and ostriches before vines took over, and the family still owns its 220 hectares and bottles on site, so they control the whole thing end to end. The limestone-rich soil is the secret weapon, giving the reds extra spice you don't always find in Robertson. Getting good Merlot is genuinely hard, so they fuss over the vines with careful canopy work to chase the green, stalky flavours out and keep the fruit front and centre.
Quick questions
- What is the price of Excelsior Merlot 75cl?
Excelsior Merlot 75cl is KSh 1,799 at Oaks & Corks. Order online for fast delivery across Nairobi, usually within the hour, or next day countrywide.
- What does Excelsior Merlot 75cl taste like?
Juicy ripe cherry and plum with a smoky coffee hint and a little peppery spice. It's dry, medium-bodied, with soft gentle tannins, so it's smooth and approachable rather than heavy.
- What is the ABV of Excelsior Merlot?
It's 14.5% alcohol, so a fairly full red. Pace yourself and keep some water nearby.
- Is Excelsior Merlot dry or sweet?
Dry. That means it's not sweet, even though it's packed with ripe fruit flavour.
- How should I serve it?
Lightly chilled at around 16 to 18°C in a big wine glass. About 20 minutes in the fridge on a warm evening is perfect. No decanting needed.
- What food pairs with Excelsior Merlot?
Grilled and roasted meats are the sweet spot, so nyama choma, burgers, roast chicken or pork. It also loves tomato-based pasta, pizza and mature cheese.
- Where is Excelsior Merlot from?
The De Wet family's Excelsior Estate in Robertson, in the Breede River Valley of South Africa's Western Cape.
Excelsior Merlot 75cl
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Excelsior Merlot 75cl price in Kenya
Buy Excelsior Merlot 75cl online in Nairobi, Kenya for KSh 1,799. Order now for fast delivery across Nairobi — usually within 30 minutes — or next-day delivery countrywide.