My mom has always loved Merlot, Myles be damned – and she’s always on the lookout for a good Ontario Merlot. Now most young Ontario merlot is tough to drink, unless you like your tannins harsh and your body full … mom is not a fan of either. Lionel’s light handed approach to oak has made a soft style of merlot that fits right in line with mom’s palate – smooth, easy drinking and delicious. Soft on tannins and a subtle nose that’s hard to define, maybe hints of raspberry, blackberry and some cassis waft up from the glass, with the subtlest hint of clove, but that’s about it. It’s in the mouth where this wine really shines. The raspberries are there along with some sweet vanilla and cocoa notes – as mentioned there is a little bit of tannin, but not enough to take away from the nicely persistent sweet flavours. Could there even be the slightest hint of coconut in there? You decide. For my money, this is a fine merlot to serve with dinner or on it’s own – and I’m sure mom would agree.