Ladybird Claypot Merlot 2020
By Christian Eedes, 15 November 2024
-
Share:
2
Merlot, for all its popularity among consumers, seems to struggle to reach any great hights under local conditions. One winemaker who always has seemed to have a handle on it is Francois van Zyl of Ladybird or what was Laibach prior to its purchase by Kanonkop.
The current-release 2020 (R320 a bottle) will be the last vintage of Van Zyl’s Claypot Merlot, and very good it is, too. Matured for 24 months in 100% new barrels, the nose shows red and black berries, rose, herbs and a touch of oystershell while the palate is well structured with great depth of fruit, fresh acidity and silky tannins. Detailed and refined. Alc: 14.74%.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
Check out our South African wine ratings database.
-
Share:
Related articles
Reviews
Sijnn new releases
18 April 2025
Want access to this content? Reviews and Reports are initially reserved for subscribers. Get immediate access to exclusive insights and data. SUBSCRIBE NOW Already subscribed? Login
1
Reviews
Bruce Jack Heritage Collection Flag of Truce Pinotage 2022
17 April 2025
Want access to this content? Reviews and Reports are initially reserved for subscribers. Get immediate access to exclusive insights and data. SUBSCRIBE NOW Already subscribed? Login
1
Reviews
Vergelegen new releases
16 April 2025
Want access to this content? Reviews and Reports are initially reserved for subscribers. Get immediate access to exclusive insights and data. SUBSCRIBE NOW Already subscribed? Login
Christian Eedes | 20 November 2024
Hi Gareth, Francois van Zyl, somewhat ruefully, says that the Kanonkop decision makers don’t yet know what to do with the grapes but are busy with a few experiments…
Gareth | 19 November 2024
Sad that this will be the last vintage, I was looking forward to the 2021.
Do you know what will happen to the grapes going forward?