{"product_id":"don-penguin-merlot","title":"Don Penguin Merlot 2023","description":"\u003ch1 data-end=\"249\" data-start=\"227\"\u003eDON PENGUIN MERLOT\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"312\" data-start=\"287\"\u003eOVERVIEW\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"285\" data-start=\"250\"\u003eElegant power with a velvet touch\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"632\" data-start=\"313\"\u003eDon Penguin Merlot is a refined, full-flavoured Merlot from Mike Scorpio Wines, combining depth, structure, and smooth sophistication. Crafted in a classic yet expressive style, this wine delivers generous dark fruit, polished tannins, and impressive aging potential, earning top recognition on the international stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWHO IS DON PENGUIN?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWith a touch of old-school mafia charm, Don Penguin is a bold yet heartfelt symbol inspired by the endangered African penguins of Simon’s Town, South Africa. Representing loyalty, family, protection, and unity, Don Penguin reminds us that even small acts can make a meaningful difference. \u003cb\u003eWith every bottle produced, a portion is donated to non-profit organisations\u003c\/b\u003e dedicated to protecting and restoring African penguin colonies for future generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"651\" data-start=\"634\"\u003eWHO IS IT FOR?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"837\" data-start=\"652\"\u003ePerfect for Merlot lovers who appreciate elegance with substance.\u003cbr data-end=\"720\" data-start=\"717\"\u003eIdeal for formal dinners, winter comfort dishes, and premium gifting.\u003cbr data-end=\"792\" data-start=\"789\"\u003eA serious wine that still drinks beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"855\" data-start=\"839\"\u003eTASTING NOTES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1172\" data-start=\"856\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"909\" data-start=\"856\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"909\" data-start=\"858\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"873\" data-start=\"858\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep ruby with garnet reflections\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"981\" data-start=\"910\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"981\" data-start=\"912\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"923\" data-start=\"912\"\u003eAromas:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blackberries, cassis, dark chocolate, subtle eucalyptus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1067\" data-start=\"982\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1067\" data-start=\"984\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"995\" data-start=\"984\"\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smooth and well-rounded with ripe dark fruit and fine-grained tannins\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1118\" data-start=\"1068\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1118\" data-start=\"1070\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1082\" data-start=\"1070\"\u003eTexture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Velvety, structured, and composed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1172\" data-start=\"1119\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1172\" data-start=\"1121\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1132\" data-start=\"1121\"\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, lingering, and quietly powerful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1189\" data-start=\"1174\"\u003eFOOD PAIRING\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1213\" data-start=\"1190\"\u003ePairs beautifully with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1387\" data-start=\"1214\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1261\" data-start=\"1214\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1261\" data-start=\"1216\"\u003eRoast beef, steak, and lamb with mint sauce\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1301\" data-start=\"1262\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1301\" data-start=\"1264\"\u003eGame meats such as kudu and venison\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1345\" data-start=\"1302\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1345\" data-start=\"1304\"\u003eOxtail, rich stews, and mushroom ragout\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1387\" data-start=\"1346\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1387\" data-start=\"1348\"\u003eParmesan, Camembert, and aged cheddar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1414\" data-start=\"1389\"\u003eSERVING TIPS \u0026amp; DETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1697\" data-start=\"1415\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1451\" data-start=\"1415\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1451\" data-start=\"1417\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1441\" data-start=\"1417\"\u003eServing temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15–18°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1501\" data-start=\"1452\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1501\" data-start=\"1454\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1480\" data-start=\"1454\"\u003eIdeal drinking window:\u003c\/strong\u003e Now to 8–10+ years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1552\" data-start=\"1502\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1552\" data-start=\"1504\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1514\" data-start=\"1504\"\u003eGlass:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large Bordeaux-style red wine glass\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1574\" data-start=\"1553\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1574\" data-start=\"1555\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1567\" data-start=\"1555\"\u003eAlcohol:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~14%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1603\" data-start=\"1575\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1603\" data-start=\"1577\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1588\" data-start=\"1577\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e South Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1633\" data-start=\"1604\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1633\" data-start=\"1606\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1624\" data-start=\"1606\"\u003eGrape variety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Merlot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1697\" data-start=\"1634\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1697\" data-start=\"1636\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1648\" data-start=\"1636\"\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store horizontally in a cool, dark environment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1723\" data-start=\"1699\"\u003eACCOLADES AND REVIEWS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1782\" data-start=\"1724\"\u003e⭐ \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Don Penguin Awards and Reviews\" href=\"https:\/\/maiwsa.co.za\/qr\/index.php?product=20251352\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1782\" data-start=\"1726\"\u003eGold Medal - Michelangelo Wine \u0026amp; Spirits Awards 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1874\" data-start=\"1784\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Don Penguin Awards and Reviews\" href=\"https:\/\/maiwsa.co.za\/qr\/index.php?product=20251352\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Aromas: Blackberries, cassis, dark chocolate, and subtle eucalyptus3 Palate: Smooth and well-rounded with fine-grained tannins, velvety texture, and a lingering finish Structure: Medium to full-bodied with excellent aging potential (8–10+ years) Style: Elegant yet powerful—an “iron fist in a velvet glove,” as one winemaker put it.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1874\" data-start=\"1784\"\u003ePraised for its balance, depth, and polished structure - a Merlot of confidence and class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1882\" data-start=\"1876\"\u003eFAQ'S\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1956\" data-start=\"1883\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1906\" data-start=\"1883\"\u003eIs it dry or sweet?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1909\" data-start=\"1906\"\u003eDry, with plush fruit and controlled structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2050\" data-start=\"1958\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1982\" data-start=\"1958\"\u003eIs it heavily oaked?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1985\" data-start=\"1982\"\u003eOak is used to enhance complexity without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2123\" data-start=\"2052\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2067\" data-start=\"2052\"\u003eCan it age?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2070\" data-start=\"2067\"\u003eYes — excellent aging potential over the next decade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2215\" data-start=\"2125\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2150\" data-start=\"2125\"\u003eWhat makes it unique?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2153\" data-start=\"2150\"\u003eIts combination of elegance, power, and award-winning quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2310\" data-start=\"2217\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2248\" data-start=\"2217\"\u003eIs it suitable for gifting?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2251\" data-start=\"2248\"\u003eAbsolutely — a premium, gold-medal wine with strong appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mike Scorpio","offers":[{"title":"Bottle","offer_id":52819931922759,"sku":"DONP-MER-NVBottle","price":12.78,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Case (X6 Bottles)","offer_id":52819931955527,"sku":"DONP-MER-NVCase","price":76.68,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0837\/9272\/4295\/files\/ProductPhotosScorpioWines_16.jpg?v=1779031620","url":"https:\/\/potum.shop\/products\/don-penguin-merlot","provider":"POTUM","version":"1.0","type":"link"}