90POINTS
16½/20
Da Silva Legado Merlot 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDa Silva estate sits on the southern edge of Naramata Bench, owned and operated by Richard and Twylla da Silva. The Da Silva family has been farming the Okanagan since 1959, when they first purchased a small orchard. Today the winery works with estate fruit and grapes from up and down the valley from land and landowners they know intimately. The Legado, or reserve version, selected over two years from four of the best barrels, is a more classic look at merlot. It comes in a darkish red/purple colour. The nose mixes plums, prunes, and cedar with a soft, earthy warm undercurrent that spills onto the palate. The extra ageing has mellowed the tannins and the fruit, giving the wine a significant drinkability factor. It is aided by a modest 13.3 percent alcohol, leaving the wine in excellent balance. The fruit was fermented in 1/2 ton open-top fermenters, aged 36 months in a barrel. Drink or hold, there is no rush here.Tasted: 30 January 2023Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:BC | $110.00 | 750ml | winery online/direct, select private retailers |
Grape: MerlotCSPC: 521284UPC: 696852033169