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91POINTS
16¾/20
LaStella Maestoso Solo Merlot 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFew wineries hang their hat on 100 percent merlot, especially in the Okanagan, but this premium red from Osoyoos' La Stella is entirely "solo", and is the winery's flagship wine. The style is a tip of the hat to Ornellaia’s Masseto. A stretch perhaps, but the blend of two vineyards, one in Osoyoos and one on the Golden Mile Bench is at the root of this full, dense and structured red, from 16-21-year-old vines. It spends 18 months in French oak barriques and puncheons (38 percent new). Brooding and perfumed black plum, wild blackberry, ripe cherry, dark chocolate is scented with heady kirsch. The firm and full palate is drawn along by thick, grainy tannins, finishing with length, fine baking spice and some heat (the 14.7 percent felt here). Decant, and pour with a rich steak now, or cellar for five or more years. Impressive and encouraging for merlot.Tasted: 11 August 2016Tasted by: Anthony Gismondi and Treve RingPrices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml | winery direct, private wine shops |
Grape: MerlotCSPC: 151274UPC: 808755012886
