Lukas van Loggerenberg, Break a Leg Merlot, 2020

Talented winemaker Lukas Van Loggerenberg doesn't own any vineyards, but works with grapes from top sites across Stellenbosch, Swartland and Paarl. This enjoyable Merlot comes from a dry-farmed vineyard in Blauklippen Valley. Fresh, fruity and aromatic, with red berries, chocolate and mint on the nose. Juicy raspberry and blackberry fruit is balanced by lifted acidity with a lovely herbaceous charcter too. Over-delivers for the price. And the name? It refers to the time Lukas did actually break his leg during harvest...