Stellenbosch Vineyards adds Merlot to its Flagship Genesis range
Monday, 1 October, 2001
Posy & Jeremy Hazell
Celebrating the second anniversary of Genesis
To mark the second anniversary of the launch of Genesis, Stellenbosch Vineyards’ celebrated premium label, a Merlot, the 1999 vintage, has been added to the range. Earlier this year they launched the Chardonnay 1999 and at the same time, released the 1998 vintages of the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chris Kelly, Stellenbosch Vineyards’ head winemaker, the winemaking brains behind Genesis wines, is thrilled with the quality of this wine. ‘Despite the hot dry ripening season, the vineyards were kept cool by the prevailing winds blowing in over nearby False Bay. The grapes were picked with fairly high sugar levels to ensure optimum ripeness, which resulted in a high alcohol level of 14,65% by volume. Yet we made a wine with complexity, showing a full range of flavours, subtle wood, fine tannins, with good ageing potential. We are now seeing the benefit of the sound viticultural practices employed by our growers.’
The grapes were sourced from thirteen- to fifteen-year old bush vines yielding five to eight tons per hectare, grown on the higher south-facing slopes of the Helderberg, near Stellenbosch. Fermentation took place in a combination of open and traditional fermenters, followed by two weeks on the skins. The wine was matured for twelve months in 70% new oak and 30% second-fill French oak. The Genesis Merlot 1999 is made in a style of seamless integration between fruit and wood.
The Genesis Merlot 1999 will appear on SAA Business Class flights following its recent selection for this prestigious wine list. A traditional Bordelaise Alienor bottle emphasizes the premium status of the wine. Master-designer Anthony Lane designed its elegant and unique packaging.
The recommended retail price of the wine is ±R75, including VAT.
Prepared for Stellenbosch Vineyards by:
Posy & Jeremy Hazell · Public Relations and Wine Consultants
Tel: +27 (0)21 851-1563
Fax +27 (0)21 851-3029
Cell: 082 557-2968
Email: posy@wine.co.za