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88POINTS
16/20
Bartier Bros. Illegal Curve 2018
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Black Sage Bench's Cerqueira Vineyard, this merlot spent 9 days on skins in stainless over ferment, followed by 9 months in tank. It was tipped with a 6.5% barrel-aged cabernet franc before bottling. You can feel the spicy franc up against the lighter, tarter merlot here, mingling the fresh cherry and plum notes with herbaceous cedar staves. There's a smokiness that runs throughout, most likely the result of the wildfires that year. Tannins are long and fine until the warming finish (feeling much more than 13 degrees). A bit awkward solo, but best taken as intended with juicy mushroom or beef burgers.Tasted: 31 October 2020Tasted by: Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml | BCLS |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml | private wine shops |
Blend: Merlot - Cabernet FrancCSPC: 444273UPC: 628055147596
