Production is managed by Mooiplaas (meaning beautiful farm). The winery is located outside Stellenbosch, high in the Bottelary Hills (a district of the famous Stellenbosch wine region), in the heart of the Cape Winelands. The estate has been the home of the Roos family, who own and manage it, since 1963. Family and friends celebrate life at the famous Mooiplaas "Langtafel," a seasonal luncheon held in the Manor House. The winery comprises 250 hectares, including approximately 100 hectares of vineyards and 60 hectares of nature reserve. All viticulture is environmentally friendly and sustainable, and pesticide-free. The significant elevation change on the property creates various microclimates. This naturally offers many possibilities, requiring considerable expertise from winemaker Louis Roos.
After manual harvesting and rigorous selection, this Merlot is aged for an impressive five months in oak barrels. The French oak barrels are specially treated, heavily toasted, which gives this Merlot a distinct note of dark chocolate, giving it its name: The Coco Chocolate Merlot. Mooiplaas Winery is a unique winery that embraces modernity, and that's a wonderful thing. The aroma of this red wine has distinct notes of chocolate and cocoa, along with hints of plums, blackcurrants, and cherries. The palate has a distinct bite, beautifully ripe tannins with notes of plums, chocolate, caramel, and cherries.
