Fort Berens Meritage Reserve 2018

88POINTS

16/20

British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve Meritage is a mix of Lillooet estate fruit with additions from the Okanagan Valley. Merlot dominates the blend, with cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon adding power and structure. Partial appassimento is also in the mix, adding extra spice and weight to the wine. The attack is juicy with sweet black fruit, ripe tannins, and spicy earthy notes in the finish. Depending on how youthful you like your reds, you can drink or hold this. Solid.Tasted: 29 November 2021Tasted by: Prices:

$36.99

750ml

winery online/direct, select private retailers, grocery

Producer: Fort Berens Estate WineryDistributors: The Drinks List
Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet FrancCSPC: 137588UPC: 626990106258

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88POINTS

16/20

Fort Berens Meritage Reserve 2018

British Columbia, CanadaA mix of fruit from the Okanagan Valley and the home Lillooet estate goes into this merlot (57 percent) dominant Meritage blend, with lesser amounts 27/17 of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. The franc was dried to intensify the fruit appassimento style. Post ferment, it spends 14 months in French and American oak. It is a richer version of the regular Meritage, and is a bit cleaner, allowing its juicy red/black fruit and spice to break through. Not ready to drink but should be promising down the road. Lamb chops would be a fine match.Tasted: 17 November 2020Tasted by: Prices:

$36.99

750ml

winery online/direct, select private retailers, grocery

Producer: Fort Berens Estate WineryDistributors: The Drinks List
Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet FrancCSPC: 137588UPC: 626990106258

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88POINTS

16/20

Fort Berens Meritage Reserve 2018

British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Reserve Meritage is led by merlot, with cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon filling out the rear. Grapes come from Fort Berens' estate vineyards in Lillooet, as well as the Okanagan Valley. Part of the cab franc was apassimento, and the merlot and cab franc utilized 25% whole clusters. Though the cab sauv was cold macerated and given a commercial yeast before heading to American oak, the others were native fermented and aged in French and American oak. Ripe dark cherry, blackberry, plum flood the juicy palate and the soft, plush tannins housing a spicy kirsch kissed finish. Softer and welcoming, this is ready to drink now or over the next couple of years.Tasted: 03 January 2021Tasted by: Prices:

$36.99

750ml

winery online/direct, select private retailers, grocery

Producer: Fort Berens Estate WineryDistributors: The Drinks List
Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet FrancCSPC: 137588UPC: 626990106258

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87/100Fort Berens Meritage Reserve 2020British Columbia, Canada

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