this wine
Our inaugural 2007 vintage is big, and elegant, with soft tannins, well-balanced fruit and oak characteristics with blackberry and cassis overtones.
for you to enjoy
Enjoy with grilled meats, roasts, rich tomato pastas, but best when shared with friends (new and old). It is ready to drink now, but will continue to age gracefully through 2015.
from us
This was grown in the sandy loam soil on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver, which is located on the southern part of the Okanagan Valley, where we enjoy long hot dates and cool nights. Our Meritage is comprised of several different clones to lend it depth and complexity including: two Bordeaux Merlot clones which impart a velvety texture, soft tannins and with blackberry and black cherry fruit flavours; three Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux clones which give it structure and richness, and one Cabernet Franc clone that provides a spiciness and black pepper characteristic. The grapes (Merlot 60%, Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Cabernet Franc 5%) were carefully selected at the peak of ripeness. The wine was then matured in small French oak casks for 15 months and then a further 15 months in bottles, pre-release.
vintage report
Despite a challenging winter, there was minimal cold weather damage and excellent spring and summer conditions resulted in good bloom and fruit set. Warm, consistent temperatures throughout the season enabled good berry growth with exceptional ripeness by the October harvest, with grapes picked just ahead of the early autumn frost.
winemaker's notes
Cases produced: 500
Alcohol: 13.8%
RS: 1.4 g/l
TA: 5.7 g/l
pH: 3.83
Cost $25 (limit 2 cases per person).