Expression Cabernet Merlot 2021

Tasting Notes

Bright garnet in the glass with intense aromas of cassis, dried raspberry, forest floor, leather and dak bitter chocolate. The palate is dry, with ripe tannins, and complex flavours of blackberry and raspberry compote, rustic earthy tones, leather with soft spice. The finish is savoury and flavourful with light grip from the tannins and lingering finish. Enjoy with grilled red meats, rich meaty pasta sauces or hard cheeses.

Download Notes

$19.95

APPELLATION

VQA Niagara Peninsula

VINEYARD

Lakeshore Farm Vineyard

GRAPE VARIETY

51% Cabernet Sauvignon
49% Merlot

BRIX AT HARVEST

22.1

ALCOHOL CONTENT

13%

RESIDUAL SUGAR

3 grams/Litre

Wine, like art, is an expression. An expression of the winemaker’s style, the vineyard’s terroir, the grape variety, and your taste.

WINEMAKING NOTES

Our Expression Cabernet Merlot is a blend of our two estate vineyards in Creek Shores, created to showcase both a perfect Expression of Niagara Cabernet Merlot and also of our winemaker’s style! The grapes were harvested by variety between mid-to-late October (starting with the Merlot) and mid-November (for the Cabernet Sauvignon) and were then crushed and transferred to stainless steel for primary fermentation over approximately 30 days. The wines were then pressed and transferred to a selection of 228-, 400-, 500- and 600-litre oak barrels of various ages for 15 months. Following this the final blend was assembled and the wine lightly fined and filtered prior to bottling in March 2023.

 

VINTAGE NOTES       

Late winter and early spring had higher than average temperatures leading to an early bud break on May 10th (one week earlier than last year). The high temperatures continued through spring leading to rapid canopy development, flowering and fruit set. The heat continued through the summer with just enough rain to refresh the vines. Harvest began in late August with Chardonnay for sparkling. After a two week break due to excessive rain, harvest continued throughout late September and early October with aromatic whites and lighter reds. Harvest continued throughout October and November with later ripening reds, ending with Cabernet Sauvignon in late November. Overall, yields were moderate due to thorough sorting and preventative management. Wines should be drunk on release or cellared for the medium-term.

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