Ontario Merlot isn’t always ready to drink from the get-go and this Merlot is no different, it’s going to require a few years before it settles down in bottle and another couple to really mellow out – but when it does you’ll be glad you have a few in your cellar. The nose is chocolate with crème de cassis and black cherry. The palate has some nice herbal flavours along with cassis and a dusting of cocoa powder … quite lovely. Price: $29.95 – Rating: ****½