Reserve Malbec 2020

Tasting Notes

Dark ruby red in the glass with an intense nose of ripe blueberry, blue damson plum, bitter cocoa, black olive and violets. On the palate it is rich, ripe and full-bodied with flavours of dried blueberry, fresh pomegranate, kalamata olive, charcoal, leather, and a touch of smoky oak. The finish is long with dusty tannins and lingering acidity.

Enjoy with a spice-rubbed rib eye or lamb rack, wild rice and dried blueberry salad with balsamic dressing, and olive tapenade.  Drinking well on release but show further complexities with a few years in the cellar.

 

Download Notes

$39.95

APPELLATION

VQA Niagara Peninsula

VINEYARD

Select Niagara Peninsula

GRAPE VARIETY

15% Merlot
85% Malbec

BRIX AT HARVEST

21.1

ALCOHOL CONTENT

13%

RESIDUAL SUGAR

6.1 grams/Litre

VINTAGE NOTES

Winter of 2020 started with warmer than average temperatures from January through March followed by a cooler than average April. Bud break was in the second and third week of May. From thereon, temperatures increased and the summer months were above-average temperatures with little precipitation, allowing for full phenolic development. Harvest remained dry and sunny with cool nights, important for maintaining acidity. There was little to no disease pressure, resulting in clean and ripe fruit. Harvest started in the second week of September with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay for sparkling, followed quickly by aromatic whites and then later ripening whites. Gamay was the first red variety harvested in early-to-mid October followed closely by Pinot Noir and Merlot. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon were the last varieties to be harvested, taking place the last week of October through early November. Berry size was recognized to be smaller than previous years with an intense dark colour, suggesting the potential for increased concentration of flavour and colour extraction. The quality of the grapes was very good to excellent throughout the portfolio. Wines should have the capacity to age for the medium to long term.

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