Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Michael Bartier is a big hockey fan, and this merlot with a dash of cabernet franc aged 9 short months in oak, comes off like his favourite hockey team: solid, if not quite Stanley Cup worthy. Spicy, smoky, savoury, fresh red fruit sloshes around on your palate in a youthful, rambunctious way, calling for more time in the bottle or some grilled beef.Tasted: 09 October 2020Tasted by: Prices:
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:
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