2018 Inniskillin Niagara Estate Series Cabernet-Merlot
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Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Our Cabernet Merlot exhibits generous aromas of plum, blackberry and spice. The palate is full- bodied with rich fruit flavours and a lingering finish.
Vineyard Notes
A slow start to the growing season did not hold the 2018 vintage back. Cool temperatures in April quickly shifted to very warm day in May and the vines took off. The following months, through the summer continued to be perfectly ideal for grape growing, with plenty of hot, dry, sunny days. The above average temperatures did not change much approaching harvest season, in fact they were coupled with humidity and rain forcing an early start to picking, with the first grapes arriving at the winery Aug 30th. We experienced some Botrytis in the Viognier blocks but managed to avoid rot elsewhere. Luckily there were enough dry days in the following months that all varieties were brought in by early November at optimal quality.
Production Notes
Grapes were harvested from select vineyards throughout the Niagara Peninsula for this popular red varietal. Gently crushed upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were inoculated and fermented at an average temperature of 26C for 10 days until dry. Aged in French and American Oak for 8 months the wine was allowed to go through a complete malo-lactic fermentation.
Winemaker Notes
These 2 classic Bordeaux varieties compliment each other to give us a wine with ripe berry fruit aromatics of dark cherry, plum and vanilla. Well integrated tannins make this wine a consumer friendly Niagara favourite.
Food Pairing Notes
Traditional Greek salad; BBQ burgers and sausage with Canadian classic poutine; pasta with bolognese sauce and meatballs; charcuterie and cheese (cambozola, aged cheddar, gouda, asiago); smoked duck breast; pizza with vegetables and variety of cheeses.
Product Reviews
Kate
(Mar 21, 2019 at 1:51 PM)
A very nice red. Goes well with grilled meats and fish, but also easy to sip on it's own. Very enjoyable and flavorful. One of my favourite reds!