Wine critics and snobs can be as rude as they like about Merlot but the variety remains one of the world’s favourites and the go-to wine for beginners and all lovers of soft, juicy fruit. It doesn’t actually have a great track record in SA to date but increased fussiness about where its planted, how its grown and how it’s made into wine is making huge improvements and today’s Merlots combine fruity juiciness with a supply and supportive structure and great mouthfeel. Modern Merlot – what’s not to love?