ANTHONIJ RUPERT MERLOT 2021

Genteel, suave and refined, t he nose is complex, layered with cassis, earth, hint of herbs, black cherry and spice. That same elegance is found in the mouth, sleek, supple and velvety on entry. The next element to become apparent is the harmony and balance of the ripe cassis, black cherry and dark berry fruit with succulent acid freshness. Afterwards, the herb, tobacco leaf, cedar and nutty notes make themselves known, along with the appropriately firm angularity of the tannin frame provided by oak maturation. Thrilling, taut and energetic, it’s drinking well now but will comfortably handled a decade or more in bottle.

A subtle trace of violets and graphite underpins the bolder aromas of blue and black fruit. Similarly, on the palate a subtle spice element tempers the ripe, rich, rounded and juicy mouthful. A cocoa powder nuance lends the overall palate a Black Forest gateaux vibe because of the black cherry vibrance. Elegant, cohesive and structured with the oak supporting the fruit beautifully. Lovely leashed power and restraint followed by a long tail.

Citrus leaf, nectarine and baked artisanal bread aromas mingle with notes of kelp and sea spray. Tangy, zippy and fresh entry with bright pops of lemon, grapefruit and orange zest. The palate is lively and energetic, courtesy of its vivid acidity, with a slight edge of limestone, oyster shell and flint lending a dryness. That brightness then makes way for an ample, richer, altogether more leesy, baked sourdough and yeasty breadth. Harmony of citrus fruit, acid and mature autolytic notes is impeccable and as a consequence, the genteel, elegant power of the wine is restrained and lengthy while clean and crisp.

Fine, energetic bubbles. Trademark kelp and sea breeze with a trace of citrus zest and sourdough bread. Bright lemon sherbet freshness on the palate entry. Trademark light oyster and briny sea air notes buffer the energetic and lovely crisp citrus tang of acidity. Time on lees in the bottle then lends a rounded upwelling of rich, creamy, yeast flavours, along with the same sourdough from the nose. Structured, firm and dry with a purposeful and elegant complexity. Classic, rewarding and long.