2018 Merlot Syrah
In Stock
Our 2018 blend of these two noble varietals showcases the very complementary characteristics of these two grape varietals, each producing exceptional varietal wines on their own. Rich in colour, texture and dark berry flavours. This wine was matured 18 months in French oak.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Merlot Syrah
Appellation
Okanagan Valley
Aging
7 - 10 years
Alcohol %
13.1
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
This medium bodied red wine has a beautiful ruby red color, vibrant ripe dark berry fruit aromas and concentrated textures from mature tannins representative of the great growing season. This wine is presently showing flavors reminiscent of Blackberry, blueberry, with hints of, spice, tobacco along with nuances of, toasted French oak. The wine has a medium acidity that is balanced and mouthwatering creating freshness on the pallet. Tannins are moderate and velvety giving a long lasting finish that will further soften with time. I would say this wine is ready for drinking now!
This wine will age nicely 7-10 years. Merlot 58% Syrah 42% . 100% BC Grown
Vineyard Notes
The 2018 vintage was another good year in the vineyard. Bud break was April 27th and harvest dates were mid-October. The Syrah came from a friends neighboring vineyard grown on gently sloping west facing slopes. The Merlot grapes for this wine were sourced from our estate vineyard River Rock Vineyards. The vines were in their 16th leaf and the canopy and water were carefully managed allowing the fruit to fully ripened before harvest. The harvest date was October19th The vines at River Rock are grown on south facing slopes where soils are composed of rock, sand, and gravel laid down during the last glacial recession.
Winemaker Notes
All grapes were hand picked, and destemmed. Approximately 80% of the fruit was left whole, uncrushed. The grapes were cold soaked between 3-5 days and then fermented together in a 2200 and 2850 litre stainless steel tank. A portion of the grapes were co-fermented while a separate lot of each the Merlot and the Syrah were fermented alone. Following a two week temperature controlled fermentation the wine was pressed to tanks to settle then transferred to barrels where malolactic fermentation was completed. Wine was aged in French oak barrels (33% new) for approximately18 months. Following aging, the barrels were blended back together before final filtering, and bottling, resulted in the 2018 Merlot Syrah.
Product Reviews
Donna van Akker
(Feb 8, 2021 at 10:46 AM)
As with all River Stone wines, the 2018 Merlot Syrah is another excellent red! You can definitely taste the dark berries, and there is an earthy quality to it (likely the hints of tobacco and spice). We will cellar a bottle (or two) to enjoy in a few years time, but this is also delicious right now!
Michelle O'Neill
(Mar 22, 2021 at 11:12 PM)
We thoroughly enjoyed this wine and will definitely be ordering more of it.
Maureen Dolan
(Mar 28, 2021 at 10:46 AM)
An excellent red wine that we enjoyed immensely ! The longer it was opened, the better it tasted. The berry and spice flavours were a nice surprise. It was even good the next day....not that there was much left over !
Greg Hume
(Jul 8, 2021 at 11:59 AM)
Beautiful flavour. I quite enjoyed this wine.