There’s a whole lot going on with this Merlot from the hot 2012 vintage – sadly Merlot is an endangered varietal in Ontario after some brutal winters, but here we see the results of a good season: a balance of dark and red fruit leads the charge on the nose: raspberry, mocha, strawberry, kirsch and baker’s cocoa all make an appearance on the palate, plus there’s nice tannin backing and up front acidity.  Price: $22.95 – Rating: ****