Laibach Claypot Merlot 2017

People often ask me about Merlot. Somehow, Merlot became very commercial among beginners in wine and I am not a huge fan of a wine that is too subtle and smooth. That is why I often struggle to present a Merlot with much confidence at my tastings. However, the Laibach Claypot Merlot was a completely different story! At my last tasting, where I paired this with chicken poulet and veal, people called me and said: "This is something spectacular", "This is my favourite", and "I have never tasted a Merlot like this in my life before". And I could not agree more.

In your glass, it has a deep red ruby colour with a slight brown hint in the centre. Once you smell this wine, you won't expect a Merlot. You immediately get the idea that this wine distinguishes itself from all other Merlots. It is not the supple and pleasing type, it is strong, bold, full-bodied, complex, and absolutely amazing on the nose. You get a strong undertone of blackberry, plum, black cherries, with some leather and dark mocha coming through. It has a very soft entry but develops well on the palate, delivering exactly what it promises on the nose. Some leather and dark chocolate comes through as it develops on the palate.

2017 was a really good year in South Africa, so this is a great vintage. And to top all of this, Laibach was sold to Kanonkop in 2022 – it is thus uncertain whether there will be future vintages of this great wine. Although this wine is aged in oak, the name might be a bit confusing if one thinks of wines that are made in clay pots. It was matured for up to 27 months. The name is derived from the dishes, served at the Hakkasan Michelin Star restaurant in clay pots. This wine was exclusively created for the Hakkasan restaurant in London.

This wine is an organic wine and a must try! I highly recommend this wine, it is great!

Producer: Laibach

Variety: Merlot 100%

Vintage: 2017

Origin: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Francois van Zyl

Closure: Cork

Alcohol:14.95%

RS: 2.5g/l

Average price: R400

Rating: 94/100