Wine: Journey’s End V2 Merlot

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: W.O. Stellenbosch

Producer: Journey’s End

Grape Varietal: Merlot

ABV: 14.0%

Type: Red

Code: 8516

Tasting Note 

Delicious fruit cake and violet aromas continue on the palate with blackcurrants and raspberries, mingled with subtle hints of herbal blackcurrant leaf. The oak influence contributes vanilla and nutmeg. Balanced acidity holds everything together, elevates the fruit, and provides a clean, elegant finish reminiscent of a smooth polished Saint Emilion from Bordeaux.

Producer

In 1995 the Gabb family, originally from Shropshire, UK, fell in love with a picturesque wine farm called Journey’s End and restored it to what it is today, now surrounded by 40 hectares of beautiful vineyards.

The Journey’s End vineyards are nestled amongst the Schapenberg hills, where lies 350 million year old decomposed granite soils being one of the most prestigious terroirs in South Africa. The vineyards benefit from the cooling and cleansing south-easterly wind, known locally as the ‘Cape Doctor’, which comes in from nearby False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Winemaking

Handpicked grapes are stored overnight in the cold room before being hand sorted and destemmed. 

Some carefully planned pumping over during fermentation ensures soft tannins. Malolactic

fermentation takes place before a 16-month barrel maturation period in 25% new French oak, 5% new American oak and the remaining 70% matured in older barrels. 

Fun Fact

Journey's End is the most southernly vineyard in the Stellenbosch region overlooking the False Bay area. False Bay got its name because early sailors thought they had reached Table Bay & Cape Town, but that is further on from False Bay. Journey's End - because they thought it was where their journey ended.

Food pairing

This smooth Merlot will go nicely with all sorts of red and white meats, stews, casseroles and pasta.

Awards & Accolades

3.9 Vivino

Matthew Jukes “I am a massive fan of Journey’s End and I have written their wines up in my various columns, for years.”