2018 Merlot
In Stock
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 a medium body, balanced acidity and moderate tannins that are softening nicely with age.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Okanagan Valley
Acid
5.85 g/l
pH
3.76
Aging
7 - 10 years
Bottling Date
September 2020
Residual Sugar
2.5 g/l
Alcohol %
13.9
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
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 a medium body, balanced acidity and moderate tannins that are softening nicely with age. This wine is approachable now, ready for consumption. This Merlot will age nicely 7 - 10 years.
Vineyard Notes
The winter of 2017 - 2018 was longer and colder than we are accustomed to, but the vines saw little or no damage as a result. Bud break was on May 1st and was followed by good early heat and long very dry growing season. There was almost no rain from June to September. We had smoky skies from mostly distant forest fires and very little to no wind. The smoky skies kept maximum temperatures down with average daily temperatures between 30 - 35C The grapes for this single vineyard Merlot were grown on our estate vineyard, River Rock Vineyards which surround our winery in Oliver BC, The vines were planted in 2003. The vineyard is all on south facing slopes where soils are composed of rock, sand and gravel. These soils are rich in calcium and were laid down during the last glacial recession.
Production Notes
The 2018 Merlot was fermented in both stainless steel tanks (2200, 2850 and 5000 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 premium French oak barrels ( 33% new) for approximately 18 months.
Winemaker Notes
This medium bodied Merlot was made to showcase the ripe varietal fruit character expressive of our rocky/gravelly terroir.
Food Pairing Notes
Enjoy this wine with burgers, steaks, blue cheese or burgers and steaks with blue cheese. Also excellent with braised short ribs or anything off the bbq.
Product Reviews
Maureen Dolan
(Oct 30, 2020 at 2:03 PM)
This is one of the best Merlots we have ever had. It paired with our roast beef dinner beautifully. It was even good the next day, which is not always the case.
Merilie O'Connell
(Dec 27, 2020 at 12:14 PM)
Riverstone wine is always a family request to bring to dinner. The Merlot is a red wine that can literally pair with any meat/ meal.
Michelle O'Neill
(Mar 22, 2021 at 11:15 PM)
A beautiful Merlot!!
Paulette Rennie
(Apr 8, 2021 at 5:58 PM)
We have always been a fan but this 2018 Merlot is my new favorite! We enjoy a full body red and this one does not disappoint. Well done!