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Plaisir de Merle
Plaisir de Merle Review
The name means "Pleasure of the Blackbird" and has its origins with the original French owners of the farm. This huge estate (2,500 acres) is the showpiece of Distell, a huge wine and spirit producer. With its innovative architecture and conservation area, it truly feels different from the ubiquitous "oak and gable" wineries that you see all over the Cape. But forget all the frills—it really is about the wine. Don't miss the cabernet franc: 2006 is looking good but will benefit from a few years to mature. The 2008 sauvignon blanc is delicious—crisp, with plenty of hints of green asparagus.
- Address: R45, Simondium, 7690
- Phone: 021/874-1071; 021/874-1072
- Cost: Nibbling tasting R50; cellar tour with tastings R30
- Hours: Apr.--Oct., weekdays 9--5, Sat. 10--2; Nov.--Mar., weekdays 9--5, Sat. 10--4; cellar tours by appointment
- Website: www.plaisirdemerle.co.za
- Location: Franschhoek
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Travel Deals in The Western Cape
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