Circumstance Merlot Waterkloof 2021

Circumstance Merlot Waterkloof Estate, biodynamic Merlot, medium bodied, fresh red fruits, spice, green pepper.  Usually a wine with a fair amount of body, Circumstance Merlot also offers a more elegant and fresh example of New World merlot, still soft but with a touch lower alcohol and mouth cleansing palate. The oak is seamless and this wine remains outstanding value Biodynamic Merlot.

WATERKLOOF estate was founded in 2003, ending Paul Boutinot’s persistent and uncompromising 10 year search for a vineyard site with the potential to produce truly fine wine with a defining sense of origin.

Located on the south-facing slopes of Schapenberg Hill near Somerset West in the Stellenbosch district of the Western Cape’s Coastal Region, Waterkloof shares its magnificent Atlantic views with free-roaming peacocks and other natural fauna and flora attracted to this haven. Certified by Demeter in 2015, their vineyards were of only a few in the Cape to boast official biodynamic approval and status until they decided to pull out of the certification due to the constraints of the criteria.  Paul Boutinot has always known his own mind and in his view certification actually restricted their attempts to work fully in tune with the natural environment of their farm. 

The estate has 53 hectares under vine and Tim Atkin’s Cape Classification currently ranks Waterkloof as 5th Growth level. With production around 165,000 bottles per year, Waterkloof make 'honest wines' from their unique coastal site. Respect for nature, traditional wine making practices and minimal intervention are all key to their success.