Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2010

Overview
Wine Facts
Press Highlights
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Overview

It was a challenging, early and very dry harvest. Most other regions, especially the Swartland, produced significant smaller crops, but at Simonsig Estate we produced 2% more than 2015. The Shiraz grapes delivered good concentration of color and fruit.

Fermentation peaked at 80.6° F, with regular and controlled pump overs that resulted in sufficient color, fruit and tannin extraction. There were 20 days of extended maceration before pressing. Malolactic fermentation took place in new French oak barrels. The 2016 vintage wine is aged for 18 months in 100% new French Oak Barriques.

The name Merindol is taken from the Malan Coat of Arms and is the French village where the Malan family originated. The Merindol vineyard is planted on a deep red Hutton soil of weathered granite origin. These are the most sought after soils for growing premium red wine. The high clay percentage has a high water retention capacity and this sustains the vines during the dry summer months. The vineyard was planted in 1996 with a French Shiraz clone SH 99.

Wine Facts

Winemaker Notes
This opulent Syrah displays a purplish maroon color with a dark core. Alluring notes of ripe raspberry, cranberry and cherry, as well as some savory notes, are followed by whiffs of allspice and cedar wood. A subtle and balanced acidity lifts the good concentration of dark berry and cranberry with an umami finish and touches of dark chocolate. Balanced wood integration makes for a well-structured wine with expressed tannins in its youth that will benefit with bottle aging. The wine, in fact, can be cellared for 8-10 years.

Serving Hints
This wine pairs very well with meals featuring meats like lamb shank, grilled pepper steak, etc. – as well as eggplant and porcini mushroom “meatballs” in a tomato-based sauce.

Producer: Simonsig Estate
Region: Stellenbosch
Country: South Africa
Wine Composition: 100% Syrah
pH: 3.69
Total Acidity: 4.9 G/L
Residual Sugar: 4.3 G/L
Alcohol 14.4%

Press Highlights

2018: 96 Pts - Decanter, July 2022
2014: 91 Pts - Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2017
2012: 91 Pts - Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2016
2011: 92 Pts - Wine Enthusiast, Mar 2014
2011: 90 Pts - Wine Advocate, Oct 2014
2011: 90 Pts - Wine & Spirits, Feb 2014
2010: 89 Pts - Wine Advocate, Oct 2013

Downloads

2018 Fact Sheet PDF

2012 Fact Sheet PDF

2010 Fact Sheet PDF

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Press Highlights

2018 96Pts Decanter Shelf Talker

2012 91Pts Wine Enthusiast Shelf Talker

2010 Shelf Talker

2018 96Pts Decanter Sell Sheet

2012 91 Pts WE Press Sell Sheet

Simonsig Brand Overview Page

Simonsig Presentation