2015 Holden Manz Merlot Reserve
Region: Franschhoek Valley, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
Richer and bigger than prior bottles. Happily impressed. Deep ruby red. Dark nose with black currants, cherries, tobacco, crushed gravel and dark chocolate. Heavy tannins (8/10) and medium plus to full bodied. A bit of wood on the palate with some earthiness, black cherries, dark spices and dark gravel. Long and lingering finish.
Made out of 100% Merlot from the estate vineyard. Aged for 27 months in 50% new French oak barrels.
2017 till 2026.
Price Point:
$$$ - Purchased at Norman Goodfellows in Johannesburg, average retail in the US is around $60.00.Medium ruby red. Layered nose with black cherries, anise, graphite and a bit woody. Medium tannins (5.5/10) and medium plus bodied. Tons of wood on the palate with raspberries, dark bitter cocoa and gravel. Medium plus finish with solid acidity.
2017 till 2025.
Price Point:
$$$ - Purchased at Norman Goodfellows in Johannesburg, average retail in the US is around $64.00.Deep ruby red with a hint of garnet. Dark nose with layers of blackberries, a little herbal, lavender, rosemary, black currants, touch of rubber and crushed rocks. Medium tannins (6.5/10) and medium plus to full bodied. A touch of heat with layers of purple flowers, blackberries, spiced, black currents and cherries. Long finish.
2017 till 2025.
Price Point:
$$$ - Purchased at Norman Goodfellows in Johannesburg, average retail in the US is around $64.00.First of the reserve bottlings from Holden Manz and a Maiden vintage!
Super dark ruby red and a touch of garnet. Woody nose with cedar, sandalwood, cocoa, cinnamon, blackberries and a touch of perfume. Medium plus tannins (6.5/10) with a medium plus body. A touch spicy on the palate with great balance, notes of blackberries and cinnamon too. Dry and long finish.
No rating on this wine since it was a day old. On day two would rate it between an 89 and 91 but would like to see it on day one.
2017 till 2025.
Price Point:
$$$ - Tasted at the estate, average retail is around $64.00.