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Hillside Merlot Occhi Dolci Vineyard 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHillside's latest single vineyard series merlot release is Occhi Dolci, grown high above the Okanagan Lake shoreline below the famous Penticton sign on Mt. Munson. The nose is somewhat reserved with resiny, red fruit flecked with dried herbs and spice. The palate is more of that red fruit and spice, mixed with bright acidity from front to back. There are some sticky tannins in the back end that are drying the wine out for now. This needs some more bottle time to allow all the parts to pull in one direction, or serve it now with a big piece of grilled beef. The fruit is hand harvested and was picked at the end of a warm and consistent ’22 growing season weather wise, the highest recorded Growing Degree Days ever on the Naramata Bench. A 12 day cold soak and temperature controlled fermentation totalled 30 days of maceration contributing to its dark colour and soft tannins. Post malolactic fermentation in oak, it spent 16 more months in 42% new French oak. The vineyard is owned and tended by renowned Okanagan researchers Dr. Pat Bowen and Carl Bogdanoff.Tasted: 06 September 2024Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml | winery online/direct, select private retailers, restaurants |
Grape: MerlotUPC: 696852066792
