Powerful, profound, fresh.
Naramata Bench's distinguished Poplar Grove produces this Merlot, which is blended with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that saw 21 months aging in 25% new oak. The remainder was aged in a combination of 1 to 3-year-old French oak barriques and bottle aged for one year.
Notes of chocolate and plums, wild berries and brown spices, tobacco and freshly turned earth lead to a palate of muddled dark fruit, spice and mocha. It is powerful, the tannins are profound and have notable grip. Acidity keeps it fresh and from being overly ponderous but oak still accumulates in the mouth..
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 11th, 2020