Supple, structured, fragrant.
This Merlot was harvested from estate vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos, was put through a malolactic (second) fermentation and matured in oak barrels for 14 months.
These later vintages are so much more deftly handled when it comes to oak use and it shows. Aromas of grilled plums and smoked paprika, black cherries, spices, chocolate, pipe tobacco, vanilla and dusty earth appear on the nose. The palate is supple and savoury and laden with generous black fruit, mocha and leather. Good overall structure, harmony and balance with a long finish.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 19th, 2021

Toasted, cocoa, fresh.
This Merlot was harvested from estate vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos, was put through a malolactic (second) fermentation and matured in a mix of French, Hungarian and American (although mostly French) oak barrels (60% neutral) for about 16 months.
A plush nose delivers spice cake aromas are melded with candied plums, dried cherries, licorice, chocolate and vanilla. Less opulent than the nose, the palate leads with dusty plum and toasted spice, espresso and carob. Fine cocoa tannins linger; good substance and freshness here.
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 2nd, 2022

Savoury, brooding, meaty.
This Merlot was harvested from estate vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos, was put through a malolactic (second) fermentation and matured in a mix of French (primarily), Hungarian and American oak barrels for 14 months.
Always a powerful and often brooding Merlot, this vintage stays true. Black chocolate, plums and prune, wild sage, toasted brown spice, tar, tobacco and vanilla aromas dominate. The palate echos the nose with black fruit, charred black chocolate and leather flavours. A savoury, full-bodied and meaty red with a spicy finish.
©copyright 2024 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 7th, 2024

Plush, succulent, generous.
An estate grown Merlot harvested from various parcels on the vineyard. The wine was put through a malolactic (second) fermentation and matured in oak barrels for 20 months.
A plush nose offers chocolate cherries, rich plumcake notes layered with spice. It is supple in weight, generous in fruit with loads of chocolate atop more succulent flavours. Great balance with textural tannins.
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 23rd, 2015

Toasted, structured, fragrant.
This Merlot was harvested from estate vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos, was put through a malolactic (second) fermentation and matured in mixed (although mostly French) oak barrels for about 14 months.
Although time in barrel has been lessened from earlier vintages, it still shows on the palate. On the nose you can expect plush spiced plums, chocolate covered cherries, vanilla and vague minty notes. It has a solid frame and fleshy fruit on the entry and then it rolls into imperious flavours of toasted oak, espresso, butter cocoa and roasted brown spices, which hide the fruit. Despite its bottle age it is still fresh and wound up, so I highly recommend decanting.
Pairing with grilled protein or hard cheeses will take the edge off.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 2nd, 2020