Stop the presses! 13th Street has themselves a real winner here - not like it's their first though. This all estate Merlot has a lot of firsts under its belt: first machine harvest for the winery, first second tier Merlot and first big bruiser red from 2010. I was surprised that no oak was used, but 4-5 weeks of skin contact has given this wine big flavour and power on the palate. The nose is loaded with spiced blackberry and cinnamon-raspberries while the palate has a lovely spiced quality with good tannins cassis and blueberry skin notes. Only 500 cases were made and I would think they’ll go quickly based on the price; this wine will be at home with all kinds of bbq'ed fare be it pork, chicken or steak. Price: $17.95 - Rating: **** 1/2