Expression Cabernet Merlot 2022
Tasting Notes
Bright garnet in the glass with intense aromas of cassis, dried raspberry, plum compote, and bitter dark chocolate. The palate is dry, with ripe tannins, and complex flavours of fresh blackberry and raspberry compote, chocolate covered raison, rustic earthy tones, with soft spice. The finish is savoury and flavourful with powerful tannins and lingering finish.
Enjoy with grilled red meats, rich meaty pasta sauces or hard cheeses.
$18.15
APPELLATION
VQA Ontario
VINEYARD
Select Ontario Vineyards
GRAPE VARIETY
22.5% Cabernet Sauvignon
30.5 Merlot
47% Cabernet Franc
BRIX AT HARVEST
22.4
ALCOHOL CONTENT
13%
RESIDUAL SUGAR
4.3 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.
VINTAGE NOTES
In 2022, a polar vortex swept through Niagara late January, leading to record lows in temperature. The cold persisted through much of the first quarter causing the growing season to be slightly delayed (Bud break recorded May 17th). Upon the arrival of spring, temperatures reverted to seasonal averages causing rapid growth within the vineyard. Conditions throughout the summer were warm and dry with little precipitation leading to full phenolic maturity across all varieties. Harvest began in early September with Chardonnay for sparkling. Followed by aromatic whites and lighter reds such as Riesling and Gamay in late September through early October. Later ripening reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were harvested mid-November concluding harvest. Conditions throughout harvest were favourable consisting mostly of dry, warm days and cool nights with little precipitation. Overall quality was good to excellent, but yields were very low.
