Expression Cabernet Rosé 2022
Tasting Notes
Pale pink in the glass. The nose is intense with aromas of wild strawberries, candied cherries and a touch of fresh rose petal. The palate is dry, with refreshing acidity and flavours of sour cherry, watermelon, fresh raspberry and cranberry skin. The finish is long and persistent with lingering notes of candied berries.
Drink well chilled on release with caprese salad, grilled tuna or a charcuterie board. Will soften and develop further complexities with medium-term aging.
$17.95
APPELLATION
VQA Niagara Peninsula
VINEYARD
Select Niagara Peninsula
GRAPE VARIETY
Cabernet Franc 68%
Cabernet Sauvignon 18%
Merlot 14%
BRIX AT HARVEST
22.1
ALCOHOL CONTENT
12.5%
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
The Cabernet Franc for our Expression Rose was picked in mid-October. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
were picked 10 days later. It was then fermented to full dryness in stainless steel tanks and aged for two
months. The wine was then bottled in February 2023 following a light fining and filtration.
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.
National Wine Awards 2023, WineAlign
Average final score from judges at the 2023 National Wine Awards of Canada. Tasted blind June 2023.
Sara d'Amato, WineAlign
An aromatic cabernet-based rosé that pours a refreshingly deeper hue. Features an elegant note of white pepper, along with raspberry leaf and cherry. On the dry side of the spectrum but with a generosity of well-ripened fruit. Very good length. Tasted July 2023.
