The 2020 vintage of our Merlot captures the essence of a warm year in the cool-climate terroir of the Niagara Lakeshore. This sub-appellation’s proximity to Lake Ontario tempers the summer heat, preserving fresh acidity and allowing the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly.
Nose: Aromatically, it opens with layers of ripe black cherry, plum, and blackberry, intertwined with subtle floral notes of violet and dried lavender. The warm vintage adds a lush, fruit-forward intensity, while the cool climate contributes elegant hints of graphite, dried herbs, and a mineral-driven earthiness that speaks to the Lakeshore’s clay-loam soils.
Palate: Wow! This Merlot is medium/full-bodied with silky tannins, offering a refined balance between juicy fruit and savory complexity. Flavors of dark berries and red currant are accented by cocoa, tobacco leaf, and a whisper of oak spice from careful barrel aging. The finish is long, polished, and punctuated with a refreshing minerality that nods to its cool-climate roots.
Finish: This wine is stunningly approachable now but will reward careful cellaring over the next 5–7 years, allowing the terroir-driven nuances to further unfold.
Pairing: A perfect pairing for roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, or a quiet evening with a good book.
Reviews: 94 PTS Rick Vansickle - Wines in Niagara
