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90POINTS
16½/20
Painted Rock Merlot 2019
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2019 vintage turned out better for some than others across the Okanagan. It got off to a cool, wet start that triggered heightened attention in the vineyards to avoid mould throughout the growing season. Thinning the vines and dropping fruit led to lower yields at Painted Rock. However, the Skaha Bluff vineyards avoided the devasting early October frosts that wreaked so much damage across the Okanagan due to superb air drainage. Merlot clones 181 & 347 are behind this Skaha merlot with a long track record of quality bottlings. 2019 clocks in 14.8 percent alcohol. All four estate vineyard blocks of merlot were cold-soaked and fermented, totalling 25 days on skins before spending 18 months in 30% new French oak. In the glass, black plums and a savoury, spicy undercurrent run through a somewhat cooler, earthy version of merlot. It is all balanced by an acidity easily achieved in BC wine country. The finish is tight, but the tannins are refined and should easily dissipate from year three through the seven year mark. Serve if you must, with a grilled steak to best effect, or cellar through 2025.Tasted: 12 December 2021Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml | BCLS, private liquor stores, winery direct |
Grape: MerlotCSPC: 512319UPC: 00626990105848
