2015 Merlot
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Wine Specs
Vintage
2015
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Okanagan Valley
Acid
6.3
pH
3.73
Aging
7-10 years
Residual Sugar
3.0
Alcohol %
15.0
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
This full bodied Merlot was made to showcase the ripe varietal fruit character expressive of our rocky/gravelly terroir. This wine is presently showing dark berry notes that include black cherry, sweet black berry, black current, and plum with a hint of French oak. It has balanced acidity and moderate tannins that are softening nicely with age.
Awards
All Canadian Wine Awards – Gold – 2018
Vineyard Notes
2015 was another amazing year in the vineyard, similar to 2012 with a very early bud break (April 10) and good early heat followed by a long growing season. The grapes for this single vineyard Merlot were grown on our estate vineyard, River Rock Vineyards, which surrounds our winery in Oliver BC. The vines were in their 11th leaf when the fruit was harvested. Vineyard are all on south facing slopes where soils are composed of rock, sand, and gravel laid down during the last glacial recession.
Production Notes
This 2015 Merlot was fermented in both stainless steel tanks (2200 and 2850 litre) and small fermentation totes to maximize skin to juice contact. The wine was transferred, following pressing, to a 5000 litre tank to settle then transferred to barrels where malolactic fermentation was completed. Wine was aged in French oak barrels (33% new) for approximately 14 months.
Food Pairing Notes
This is a big, juicy Merlot for the Okanagan Valley. Lots of complexity with tannins that are present but not overpowering. Great balance of fruit, acid and tannin in this offering from a great vintage. You will want to enjoy this juicy merlot with a rich Alberta beefsteak off the barbeque with some Poplar Grove Tiger Blue cheese and a little apricot chutney. The perfect match!
Production
350 cases produced