Technical Notes:
Residual Sugar: 0g/L
Alcohol/volume: 13%
Brix at Harvest: 21.0
Total Acidity: 6.0g/L
Aging in Oak: 18 months
Release Date: April 2007
Ageability: 5-7 years
VQA DESIGNATION
Niagara River
$25.95 (+0.20 bottle deposit)
Vintage Year and Viticulture:
The winter of 2005/2006 was fairly mild in comparison to recent winters with no major cold spells. With a considerable amount of rain throughout the summer in conjunction with seasonally higher summer temperatures, the end result was an exceptional growing season. With harvest around the corner, September and October brought cooler temperatures and an increase in precipitation. There were few times where we had more than 3 -¬ 4 days without rain. Sunny breaks in October and early November along with warm temperatures, allowed the grapes to complete their ripening and harvest proved to be fruitful with excellent Brix levels and high acidity. This lot of 100% Merlot was harvested from Reif Estates 125 acre Vineyard located adjacent to the Niagara River, midway between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment. The grapes were harvested Nov. 15, 2006, with Brix levels at 22.5 degrees
Winemaker’s Notes:
The juice pressed from clean, ripe fruit underwent fermentation with 12 days skin contact, using selected yeast. The wine was both fermented and aged in American and French oak barriques. This wine was aged for 12 months and underwent complete malolactic fermentation.
Tasting Notes:
On the nose are found rich aromas of ripe berry fruit with hints of toasted vanilla. The palate is full-bodied with cassis fruit, smoky oak and a delicate acidity. With velvety tannins, the finish leaves a sweet, subtle aftertaste.
Food Pairings:
Roasted leg of lamb, veal chops, beef carpacchio and grilled spicy sausage. Red wine infused risotto, antipasto platters and vegetable ratatouilles pair nicely.
From the Critics:
“A deeply coloured quite ripe and floral merlot with ripe, pickled beets, raspberry fruit, herbal tea notes as well as oak-derived vanilla. Mid-weight, nicely supple around a core of sourish acidity. Sweet and sour with an earthy, dry finish. Good length. Age it a couple of years.” David Lawrason, Winery to Home
$26.15
