This hot vintage Merlot was grown in the Vinemount Ridge area of Niagara, spent 16 months in a mix of new (40%) and older French oak barrels. There was a 50/50 split of whole berry versus crushed during the cold soak of 5-7 days and then near the end of its barrel life it was tasted and only specially selected barrels from the batch went into this bottling.  The fruit is dark with plenty of spice on the nose which then translates onto the palate as black cherry, spiced blueberry and smoke with a robust finish balanced by tell-tale Ontario acidity. A beautiful and age-able Merlot that’s drinkable now but will benefit 5+ years in the cellar.  Price: $34.95 – Rating: ****+