2018 Waterkloof Circumstance Merlot, Stellenbosch, South Africa

A fine wine with persistence, complexity and great purity - dense black cassis and bramble fruit aromas combined with plums, spice and a creamy oak on the palate. Showing real character and personality, supreme poise and balance.

Chewy texture, full body. Loads of concentration and excellent freshness from the crisp acid. Another Waterkloof wine that will improve with bottle age."
Richard Hemming MW

Each of the single varietal wines in Waterkloof Estate’s Circumstance range is defined by a unique symphony of fortuitous circumstances that influence the individual vineyard sites, including soil, aspect and altitude. There are currently nine wines under this acclaimed label. 

From the leading biodynamic Waterkloof estate overlooking False Bay, this rich complex f Circumstance Merlot compares very well to St-Emilion. Warm, generous cassis and bramble fruit balanced by creamy oak. Velvety smooth and great length.

Nadia Barnard was recently appointed as the Cellar Master and Head Winemaker at Waterkloof. She has been with them for years. 

As shared by East Coast Radio:

Winemaker Nadia Barnard is one of many women showing they are a force to reckoned with in South Africa’s winemaking industry.

Nadia says working in the male-dominated industry has its challenges but her male counterparts are always helpful. 

“Life is what you make of it. I have never had any issues in the industry because I am a woman. The men are very kind and always willing to help. I thoroughly enjoy working in the industry,” she said in a statement.

So, who makes the better wines between the gender? The verdict is still out on that one, but Nadia says women bring a different touch to winemaking. 

“I have always felt that wines made by women do show a sense of finesse and elegance. We do like to smell and appreciate lovely smells from a young age which helps to improve our senses, I believe that this is definitely to our advantage as a female winemaker!”

Nadia, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture (BSc Agric) specialising in viticulture and oenology, says her winemaking philosophy is one of minimal intervention.

“Fine wine is made in the vineyards. Just apply meticulous care and guidance and you can just let the wine make itself,” she said in a statement.

The Stellenbosch University graduate is now a winemaker at Somerset West’s award-winning Waterkloof estate.

“A combination of destiny and good judgement brought me to the wine industry and ultimately to Waterkloof and it is here where I have learned the true aspects of quality vines and wines and realised that to live and work in harmony with nature is to acknowledge, respect and promote its intrinsic value,” she said in a statement.

Nadia’s journey to becoming a winemaker at Waterkloof started as an assistant nine years ago.

“I have been here since the cellar opened its doors in 2009, working first as an assistant winemaker before being promoted, and I can truly say that I know every square inch of vineyard on the farm like the back of my hand, and the amazing potential that lies within them.”

WATERKLOOF estate was founded in 2004, ending Paul Boutinot's persistent and uncompromising 10 year search for a vineyard site with the potential to produce truly fine wine with a defining sense of origin. Located on the south-facing slopes of Schapenberg Hill near Somerset in the Stellenbosch district of the Western Cape's Coastal Region, Waterkloof shares its magnificent Atlantic views with free-roaming peacocks and other natural fauna and flora attracted to this haven. Certified by Demeter in 2015, their vineyards are of only a few in the Cape to boast official biodynamic approval and status.