2020 Grand Meritage

Production: 200 Cases

Availability: Winery direct and select restaurant accounts

Vintage: 2020

Variety or Blend: 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot

Vineyard Designation: Growers Series

Region: Niagara Escarpment

Vine Age: 15-25 years

Soil: Mostly clay with limestone

Wine Style: Dry

Oak: 100% French Oak, 40% New Oak, aged for 16 months

Alcohol Content: 14.5%

PH: 3.55

TA: 5.2 g/L

Ageing: Drink now through 2040

Serving Temperature: 14 - 18 degrees Celsius

Winemaking:

We started by destemming the grapes and doing a whole berry 5-7 day cold soak. After cold soaking, we warmed up the fruit for alcoholic fermentation. Once alcoholic fermentation was completed and the tannin structure is right, we gently pressed each batch of wine off of the skins and pumped it to a settling tank. After settling, each batch of wine is put into barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging where it stayed with careful monitoring for 16 months. Through tasting and blending trials of each variety, the best of the best barrels were chosen to be blended together to create this small batch Grand Meritage. Grand Meritage is only produced from vintages of exceptional quality and aging potential.

Appearance: Dark Ruby with a fuchsia hue.

Aromas: A grand combination of blueberry jam, black fruits, prune, eucalyptus, leather and baking spice. Underlying hints of mocha, subtle herbal notes and cigar box.

Palate: Bold fruit flavours of blueberries, blackberries, black cherries, dates are on the forefront of the palate, followed by textured mid-palate of toasted hazelnuts, liquorice, cocoa, coffee and vanilla. Round tannins and fresh acidity provide a structured focus all the way through the long finish. This full bodied and rich wine is best enjoyed from a decanter as it will keep revealing layered nuances.