Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaRed Gold is a blend of 67% Merlot and 33% Cabernet Franc with a bit of an Italian detour. The franc grapes underwent the apassimento process, air drying for six weeks and losing some 30% of their moisture. Concentrated and partially raisin-ed, the franc berries are fermented in open-top French oak barrels for 30 days to promote maximum extraction. I’m not sure the wine needs it, but it is what it is. The reserve tier blend opens with a touch of meaty reduction and smoke before the black fruit pokes through. The palate is equally oaky and smoky before the concentrated ripe black fruit flavours flood the finish. If you are going to drink it now, make sure the menu is similarly intense.Tasted: 31 October 2019Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$60.00
750ml
select private retailers
Producer: Fort Berens Estate WineryDistributors: The Drinks List Blend: Cabernet Franc - Cabernet Sauvignon - MerlotCSPC: 499319UPC: 00626990114277
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaRed Gold is one of Fort Berens' reserve tier, and this year is 67/33 merlot and cabernet franc. The cloudy thickness on the palate is better explained when you know that the franc was done in apassimento style, drying and concentrating the ripe berries to raisins, before pressing. I don't quite understand the appeal, especially when you have such lovely grapes, like these from their estate vineyard in Lillooet. I can only assume the big red grapes did not achieve full phenolic ripeness on their own. This is a full, over-ripe red blend teeming with smoked fruit, toasted cedar spice, mocha oak, all wrapped with a soft hug of wood tannins. For drinking now, with an equally large piece of grilled beef.Tasted: 03 December 2019Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$60.00
750ml
select private retailers
Producer: Fort Berens Estate WineryDistributors: The Drinks List Blend: Cabernet Franc - Cabernet Sauvignon - MerlotCSPC: 499319UPC: 00626990114277
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