Vinification
Merlot is one of the most difficult grapes to grow successfully as the variety often displays green falavors and tannins. To minimize this, the Estate follows very strict canopy management practices which then ensures an adequately open canopy so that most berries get sunlight exposure. This brings out the blackcurrant and red fruit characters of Merlot and avoids green tannins.
The grapes are then harvested by hand for greater qauality control and are immediately destemmed and not crushed.
Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks for a period of 7 days at a temperature of between 28 and 32° Celcius. Aerated racking was done twice daily to ensure a clean ferment and soft tannins.
Tasting Notes
The producer describes the nose as showing lovely ripe cherry characters, supported by smoky coffee and spice notes. On the palate, the wine is soft, with enough structure for medium-term ageing. A separate retailer description of the current vintage also notes extra layers from oak ageing, reinforcing the wine’s ripe, rounded style.
Expect:
- Ripe cherry and red fruit aromas
- Subtle smoky coffee and warm spice notes
- A soft, smooth palate with gentle structure
- A balanced finish suited to both drinking now and short cellaring
Food Pairing
Excelsior’s in-house chef recommends pairing this Merlot with spring rack of lamb, lamb shank, or leg of lamb served pink with fresh herbs or spring vegetables. It also works well with roast beef, burgers, mushroom dishes, and tomato-based pasta. The wine’s ripe fruit and soft tannins make it especially versatile at the table.
Accolades
For the current vintage, I found one merchant listing that reports Michelangelo Awards 2025: Gold for Excelsior Merlot 2023, plus John Platter ratings of 3.5 stars for the 2021, 2020 and 2019 vintages, and a Decanter 2021 Silver for the 2019 vintage. Because this source is a retailer rather than the producer or the award organisers, I would treat those vintage-specific claims as useful but secondary evidence.
Good value