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92POINTS
17/20
MacIntyre Heritage Reserve Ardua 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOwner Drew Macintyre's father was a member of the RCAF, so when he decided to launch two high-end labels, the names Astra and its merlot brother Ardua were an ode to his father and the Royal Canadian Air Force motto, Per Ardua ad Astra, meaning through adversity to the stars. The Lake Breeze Naramata Bench vineyard is home to the fruit for Astra, and since 2014, what goes into Ardua. There is minimal production of either wine (fewer than 300 cases), and it is virtually snapped up via the McIntyre mailing list. The switch to Naramata fruit has altered the structure of Ardua a bit, offering less of those big hefty southern black fruit flavours for a more control red /black Naramata fruit profile. The not too hot and not too cold setting is the perfect site for merlot and ten percent cabernet franc. Still youthful, a chocolate, savoury undercurrent props up the palate and the tannins as they begin the long run in the bottle to resolve. Hold this through 2022 and then start grilling the steaks.Tasted: 17 August 2020Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml | sold out at the winery |
Blend: Merlot - Cabernet FrancCSPC: 479782UPC: 626990225539
