Expression Cabernet Merlot 2021 (250ml can)
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 a lingering finish. Enjoy with grilled red meats, rich meaty pasta sauces or hard cheeses.
MIX & MATCH WITH OUR OTHER EXPRESSION WINES AVAILABLE IN CANS
- Expression Pinot Grigio 2021 (250mL)
- Expression Riesling 2021 (250mL)
- Expression Cabernet Rose 2022 (250mL)
$5.95
APPELLATION
VQA Niagara Peninsula
VINEYARD
Select Niagara Vineyards
GRAPE VARIETY
29% Merlot
51% Cabernet Sauvignon
BRIX AT HARVEST
22.1
ALCOHOL CONTENT
13%
RESIDUAL SUGAR
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 (for 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 was 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.
