Sometimes from a tough vintage good wines emerge. It’s those Vintages that separate the men from the boys – or in this case it, the lady from the boys. This Meritage blend (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc) was made by now departed winemaker Natalie Spytkowski (currently with Rosewood) … but it shows why she is a winemaker in demand. 2004 wasn’t the greatest of years in Ontario, but Natalie coaxed a very approachable yet age worthy wine, of some complexity, out of the grapes she got. Smells of green pepper, black currant, cinnamon, cedar, sweet tobacco and a touch of earthy-leatheryness. On the palate there are spices, sweet oak, blackberries, tobacco, black cherry and bittersweet chocolate. While the finish is full of chalky-earthy-tannins. From this “tough” vintage Natalie has made an excellent wine, ready for now or to be consumed over the next 3-4 years.