Reserve Merlot 2009

ABOUT THE WINE

The grapes are hand-picked from select vineyards and lots which exhibit the potential to go into our top wines.  The individual lots are fermented in open top fermenters, hand-punched daily to break the surface cap, and undergo malolactic fermentation and aging in newer French and American oak barrels.  For added depth of flavour this Reserve Merlot is blended with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah and 5% Malbec.  The individual varietals are oak aged separately for 10 months, then the final assemblage is blended from the best barrels identified by our winemaker, Karen Gillis.  The Merlot Reserve is then put back into barrel, a further 4 months, to allow the wines to integrate before bottling.  Limited production of 476 cases.

TASTING NOTES

Garnet colour with a 'rooster' ruby red rim.  A complex bouquet of cedar, forest floor, earth, red currant, smoke, red licorice and sweet vanilla.  This is a medium to full-bodied Merlot with drying, moderate tannins and flavours of dried mushroom, tobacco, grilled plum, cedar and black cherry.  The dry lingering finish shows notes of smoke, cedar, tobacco and plum.  Enjoy now to 2014.  

FOOD PAIRINGS

Excellent with grilled red meats; winter stews; braised meats; beef brisket; mushroom lasagna; game birds such as pheasant and quail; meat pies.

Available exclusively online and at the winery.

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