quicksearch
Anthony Gismondi on Wine
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Black Rook Merlottext
90POINTS
16½/20

CheckMate Artisanal Winery Black Rook Merlot 2017

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack Rook is farmed on the poor soils of the Black Sage Bench, from a site pushed up against the Okanagan Highlands at 300+ metres above sea level — essentially a one single vineyard wine. It is a warm, sandy site with low vigour that produces small clusters that yield intense black fruit with power and finesse. The texture leads to a well-defined black cherry and cassis affair with just the right level of roasted coffee and licorice in the finish. Opulent is a good word for this 100 percent wild fermented edition. Black Rook has always been on the indulgent side, but as has been the case in the past with light feet. In 2017 it was drier (yeah), and along with a cool fall, helped to slow maturity, adding complexity to this unabashed New World merlot.Tasted: 12 June 2021Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:
BC$95.00750mlwinery direct, restaurants, select private wine shops
BC$215.001500mlwinery direct, restaurants, select private wine shops
BC$480.003000mlwinery direct, restaurants, select private wine shops
BC$989.006000mlwinery direct, restaurants, select private wine shops
Producer: CheckMate Artisanal WineryDistributors: Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits
Grape: MerlotCSPC: 655431UPC: 776545802231