Circumstance Merlot, Stellenbosch

Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004, Waterkloof is a family-owned, organic, biodynamic and WWF Biodiversity Champion farm perched high up on the windswept Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay and The Atlantic Ocean. Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including soil, aspect, altitude and vintage. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place.

This is a serious Merlot – think St Emilion with guts… and legs. A fine wine with persistence, complexity and great purity – dense black cassis and bramble fruit aromas combined with plums, spice and a creamy oak on the palate. Showing real character and personality, supreme poise and balance, Waterkloof’s ability to express their unique terroir improves with each vintage. Matches beautifully with garlic roast lamb, or venison roasted with root vegetables.