Zevenwacht is a privately owned estate specialising in the production of innovative hand crafted wines. It’s fairly large for a private enterprise, about 450 hectares with 200 hectares under vine. The other 250 are dedicated to their associated enterprises all surrounded by beautiful parkland. They have a restaurant, accomodation and spa, with a chef school, a cheesery making cheese from Friesland milk, and of course a wine tasting room. They offer various functions on the estate from conferences to weddings!  Their wines are quite special. Wine maker Jacques Viljoen uses tried and tested old school methods but also embraces modern technology and innovation. The result is wines with a classical elegance and modern twist. Every single one of their wines that I’ve tried has been excellent.

What’s it like?

It’s bigger and heavier than most Merlots with strong flavours of black cherries and dark chocolate, balanced by strong alcohol at 14%. Really good length too.

How much? Where can I buy it?

The only firm we’ve found offering Zevenwacht Merlot Stellenbosch 2004 is www.goodwineonline.co.uk at £8.91