Picked up this South African Merlot very recently at Vintages. 14% alc./vol. Deep cherry-garnet colour; solid medium-intensity saturation; good legs. Good varietal nose atop hints of spicy oak; just a tiny hint of green pepper atop velvety/plush Merlot dust and violets. Also, a very pleasant hint of telltale South African leatheriness. Firm, warm, grippy entry, and beautifully dry; very pleasantly apportioned tannins; good acidity and a well-balanced, full mid-palate. Despite the highish alcohol, there's no untoward heat and the wine works very well at table. Spicy on the mid-palate; lithe structure with oak spice and dusty Merlot varietal character into the finish. A very nice New World Merlot with good structure and a fine flavour profile.
This went very nicely with the pan fried lamb chops drizzled with my rosemary/juniper balsamic reduction, mashed potatoes and a side dish of basil/tomato zucchini.