It is awards season, and the #HalloMerlot campaign started 5 years ago, and continues to honour those producing great Merlot. I was surprised to learn that South Africa has 5% of the world's merlot plantings - 5000 hectares. Stellenbosch clearly is the place to plant Merlot, making up almost 50% of the entries, but resulting in receiving the majority of awards! From a price point of view, also interesting to note that average price per bottle of those entered is R243, and also surprising is to note that in previous years it was R300+ - a fair price to pay for a Merlot! The winners were: Bein Merlot Reserve 2022 (won 5 out of 5) Carmen Stevens Merlot 2023 Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Reserve 2023 (won 4 out of 5 - only just did not enter one year!) Dornier Merlot 2022 - (3 years in a row) Glenelly Glass Collection Merlot 2022 Holden Manz Merlot Reserve 2023 L’Avenir Provenance Merlot 2024 (Judges’ Choice) Rainbow’s End Merlot 2023 Stellenbosch Reserve Kweekskool Merlot 2023 Villiera Monro Merlot 2023 And the Judges' Choice for the best wine on the day went to the newcomer L'Avenir - for their Provenance Merlot 2024, thus winning a valuable barrel sponsored by the headline sponsor Taransaud. A fine prize!Well done to Matthew Copeland who has been beating the merlot drum for years now - it takes persistence and dedication. And a beautiful winter's day to discover Klein Alto - a beautiful example of view, hospitality and great food and wine!