Ladybird Claypot Merlot 2018

The Stellenbosch estate, developed in the 1990s by German industrialist Friedrich Laibach, was sold to current owners, Johann & Paul Krige of neighbouring Kanonkop Wine Estate in April 2022 and its name changed to that of its most popular wine, The Ladybird. Aside from rebranding there will be no major changes – ‘the existing team now forms part of the larger business, but the accent remains on making honest, quality wines with minimal intervention and a natural approach’. ‘Ultimately, our wine quality is forever linked to the land where our grapes are grown. Site selection is essential in the making of fine wines, because flavour starts in the vineyards.’ The Simonsberg terroir with its lean deep red soils (Glovelly, Glenrosa) and cooling maritime winds from nearby False Bay is ideal for red wines of body and complexity.