Surprisingly approachable for such a young, powerful wine. I decanted it two hours in advance of reviewing it and found it to have loads of sweet, upfront berry aromas followed with chocolate, leather and graphite, a whiff of bacon fat and savoury herbs, cassis, plums, jalapeno and mixed spice. The entry is fresh, then fine tannins kick in - it's elegant with good acidity and layers of chocolate, spice, coffee, roasted meat, gravel and berry fruits. Full-bodied with ripe, powerful tannins at the back and a lingering smoky finish.
Released November 2008 in British Columbia, Newfoundland in Spring 2009 and the 2005 vintage will be released in Ontario in February followed later by Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
69% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec
©copyright 2008 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - December 8th, 2008