Holden Manz Merlot Reserve 2017

Holden Manz winemaker Theirry Haberer, who studied at the Faculty d’Oenologie, University of Bordeaux and at one stage worked with super-consultant Michel Rolland, brings a particular sensibility to his craft and it’s not what you might describe as “less is more”. 

The Merlot Reserve from this Franschhoek property is usually impactful and this is again the case with the pre-release 2017. Spontaneously fermented in new 225-litre barrels before maturation lasting 20 months in 500-litre barrels, half of which again were new, and with an alcohol of 15.07%, this might appear a wine that is a bit behind the times in the sense of being so big but with winter setting in and more hearty food on the table, it actually works well.