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CheckMate Artisanal Winery End Game Merlot 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe start of End Game begins on two warm, south Okanagan benches on the valley's eastern side: the Osoyoos East Bench; and the Black Sage Bench. Both are mostly made up of sandy soils sporting multiple expositions and elevations, producing a range of flavours and styles intensified by long days and warm, late day sun. As is the norm, it is all handpicked and hand sorted and now entirely wild-fermented in new French oak where it aged for 21 months. The 2018 blend is 86/7/3/3/1 merlot/syrah (for aromatics and to narrow the palate), petit verdot/cabernet franc (to pretty up the fruit and the malbec to flush up the texture). The result is a complex red with chocolate, raspberry, Bing cherries, root beer, and gentle tannins. The entire wine is balanced and exudes a vibrancy that gives it appeal now but will serve it well down the road. Impressive.Tasted: 11 February 2022Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml | winery direct, wine club members |
| BC | $196.00 | 1500ml | winery direct, wine club members |
| BC | $439.00 | 750ml | winery direct, wine club members |
| BC | $989.00 | 6000ml | winery direct, wine club members |
Grape: MerlotCSPC: 752683UPC: 776545803221
