90POINTS
16½/20
French Door Merlot 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a silky smooth, spicy, intense merlot of black cherries, black plums, and a dash of cassis. The mouthfeel is rich and warm, with more spice in the long, warm finish. There is plenty of concentration here and no rush to drink this stylish version. The French Door works with two blocks (north and south) of merlot on the Black Sage bench. Both are subjected to significant leaf removal later in the season to help develop the tannin structure ripening flavours. The merlot is fermented for 21 days and left on skins at high temperatures for another week to develop tannins and mid-palate structure before the free run is drained directly into 35% new French oak barrels. It is aged for 14 months, racked to tank, and bottled a month later.Tasted: 24 May 2022Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:BC | $78.00 | 750ml | winery online/direct |
Grape: MerlotUPC: 696852078511