2020 Cabernet Merlot
In Stock
The 2020 Cabernet Merlot is comprised of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot. This full-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, cherry, raspberry, with hints of, spice along with nuances of smoky, 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.
This wine will age nicely 7-10 years.
Only 104 cases produced.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Cabernet Merlot
Appellation
Okanagan Valley
Harvest Date
October 2020
Aging
7-10 years
Bottling Date
September 2022
Alcohol %
13.0
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The 2020 vintage saw bud break on April 27th with the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot both harvested on October 20th. The weather through June and into early July was wet and unsettled with cooler than normal nights. Early September was wetter and cooler than normal but was followed by a return to seasonal norms up to the end of October allowing the grapes to reach full maturity. The vines were farmed sustainably with particular care and attention to canopy and water management. The grapes for this wine were sourced from our estate vineyard where the vines were 19 years old, grown on southwest facing slopes where soils are composed of rock, sand, and gravel laid down during the last glacial recession. Harvest decisions were based on winemaker’s personal preference with particular attention to ripe flavor and tannin profile, and sugar/acid balance.
Winemaker Notes
All grapes were hand-picked, and destemmed. Approximately 80% of the fruit was left whole, uncrushed. Both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes were combined prior to fermentation. The grapes were cold soaked between 3-5 days in a 5000 litre stainless steel tank. Following a temperature controlled co-fermentation lasting 24 days 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 approximately 18 months. Following aging, final filtering, and bottling, resulted in the 2020 Cabernet Merlot.
Food Pairing Notes
This wine will pair well with hearty winter dishes. Think stews, braised short ribs and roasts. Great sit by the fireplace wine on a frosty evening in front of the fire with good friends or a great book.