Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDark Pool is a new, small cap release of 179 cases of fortified merlot that has spent four years in French oak puncheons (much to the surprise of Cynthia Enns, wife of port project mastermind David). The spirit used in fermentation was distilled from the same merlot lees used in the wine, completing the circle. The wine spent a further 18 months to marry wine and spirit before release. Persistent plastic aromas mix with plum jam and youthful cassis before all carries onto the medium bodied palate, where they are joined by kirsch cherries, bitter currants and a youthful balsamic vinegar note. The RS is relatively low (32 g/l) and not really enough to push this into the typical "port wine" tasting family. A drying sour cherry pit takes over the finish. Try pouring with cherry pie or strong cheeses and berry compote for best results. Great, iconic packaging (love the matte 500ml bottle) as ever from the winery.Tasted: 17 January 2017Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$34.99
500ml
winery direct
Producer: Laughing Stock VineyardsDistributors: The Wine Syndicate Arterra Wines Canada Principle Fine Wines Grape: MerlotUPC: 850451001893
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe financial geeks at Laughing Stock are becoming port geeks no doubt ‘fortified’ by their success in the dry, table wine business. Their latest venture is Dark Pool. The name speaks to the its colour but takes its name from an insider financial term for ‘off-exchange platforms’ that allows traders to buy and sell stocks anonymously but now apparently exposed forever by author Michael Lewis in his best seller “Flash Boys.” There are more parallels, winemaker David Enns hid the project from the LFNG team, including his partner and wife Cynthia, leaving it to age in two oak puncheons, hidden in a corner of the winery for over 5 years. The result is a juicy, merlot-based, vintage character, tawny-style port. The colour is medium to dark the nose a lifted affair of cooked raisins and stewed fruits mixed with warm figs and dates. Soft spicy and even a bit nutty it should age for a decade but why wait you can drink it now – just add a fireplace, a book and some toasted almonds. The fortification technique was different. After ageing the original merlot for four years in neutral French puncheons, a local distillery worked the lees from the same merlot block, to create a high proof spirit that was added to the wine. It’s been fortified for over a year and half now.Tasted: 11 November 2016Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$34.99
500ml
winery direct
Producer: Laughing Stock VineyardsDistributors: The Wine Syndicate Arterra Wines Canada Principle Fine Wines Grape: MerlotUPC: 850451001893
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