They say Merlot and Ontario go hand-in-hand, there are times I would agree and times I would say nay … this is one of those positive times and I urge as many Merlot-lovers as possible to try this beauty. Aromas start off with blackberry, black raspberry and cocoa … Palate shows a complexity that 20 months in a mix of American/Hungarian and French barrels has given it (40% of which were new). Flavours of sweet dark fruit, chocolate, blueberry and raspberry. It’s a real juicy wine – even more approachable than one would expect from a Niagara Merlot. Price: $34.95 – Rating: ****+