The grapes for Peacock Wild Ferment Merlot are sourced from the coolest, most coastal area of Stellenbosch:The Schapenberg. This is the home to many of South Africa's finest merlots. In this cooler and more windswept area the variety produces lower yields and has a longer ripening time, ensuring balanced flavours and elegant tannins in the finished wine. The Helderberg and Schapenberg are also known for the large expanses of indigenous flora (fynbos and proteas) and fauna such as caracal, bat eared foxes, leopards and of course, peacocks. In fact, four of South Africa's twenty WWF Biodiversity & Wine Initiative Champions (which includes Waterkloof amongest their number) are located on the Schapenberg and Helderberg alone. In addition to sourcing fruit from neighbouring vineyards, there is also a portion of wine from Waterkloof's biodymamic vineyard used in the Peacock Wild Ferment range. Made by Waterkloof's talented young Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard. Balanced, low yielding vines from Schapenberg merlot vineyards are hand harvested. Grapes are de-stemmed, sorted and fermented spontaneously with wild yeast in open top wooden fermenters. Ageing takes place in old barrels before a light filtration and then bottling. No additons other than sulphur. Vegan friendly wine. Deep, dense and youthful colour with aromas of cassis, cedar wood, smoke and herbal notes. On the palate the wine is elegant and evolved with upfront dark black fruit, a touch of crushed rocks, mocha, liquorice and tar, balanced by fine yet seductive tannins. Excellent palate weight, concentration with a long complex finish.