I tried this wine during the 2008 Niagara Wine Auction Weekend; I found out it was available and immediately ordered a bottle to try. 2002 was such a great growing season in Ontario that the red wines from that year practically make themselves, but a deft hand, by then winemaker Sue Ann Staff, coaxed even more greatness from these great grapes. The smells are quite simply lovely: blackberries, black raspberries, vanilla, some barrel notes (from the 20 months of oaking in new and used barrels) and there’s a touch of chocolate that brings everything together in the olfactories. The tastes are complex, and yet and wonderful, with blackberry, cassis, cinnamon and cedar all carried through on the long finish. This one can still age another 5 years with ease. Price: $30.00 For even longer longevity with the same grapes from the same year check out the 2002 Family Reserve Merlot.