Ontario Merlot does not always have the best reputation,
but this one is so good it is gone
Malivoire 2020 Stouck Merlot
The Written Review ...
Merlot from a hot vintage aged in American oak for 12 months, and 6 months in neutral: notes of cocoa, blue and black berry with a nice tannin seam. Vanilla and smoke jam with silky tannins on the finish. This is approachable now, but also has a decade ahead of it.
Here's an Ontario Merlot that defies the norm for this grape in the province; find out why
Niagara College 2020 Dean's List Merlot
Written Review ... So far, my tasting of 2020 Merlots have been one of revelation. Over the years, I have learned that Ontario Merlot is one of those wines that needs time to mellow, they are usually not ready for a few years. But here's another that bucks that trend, this time from Niagara College. Sure, you can age this beauty, but it's also ready right now. Rich with blue and black berry fruit, plus notes of vanilla, smoke and hints of cherry on the finish, where it has a nice round, easy mouthfeel.
Small producer, hand harvesting, single vineyard, great vintage ...
it all makes for one hell of a wine
De Simone Vineyards 2020 Merlot
WRITTEN REVIEW ... Any question that 2020 was a good vintage; heck, a great vintage, should be put to bed; especially after I tasted this awe-inspiring bottle of Merlot from De Simone - who has made some incredible wines in his short tenure on the Niagara wine scene. With 2 years in barrel, a mix of French and American oak, of which two-thirds was new. Aromas include notes of licorice, clove, vanilla and smoked cherry; and flavours that load on the blue and black fruit backed by vanilla and spices. It has a long finish with a robust richness that's elegant, smokey and spicy all at the same time... Great mouthfeel and acidity that's totally on point. Beauty. I thought his 2019 was good, but this 2020 is next level.
Ontario Merlot may not be your cup of ...
well, I think you'll change your mind after your second sip of this :
Lighthall Vineyards 2020 Merlot
>>> WRITTEN REVIEW <<<
Probably would not expect a Merlot that sat in 75% new oak to be this fruit-driven, especially from Prince Edward County- but Holy Moses, would you be wrong to underestimate this one. Fruit hit 24.9 bricks in the South Bay Vineyard, now owned by Lighthall, and achieved an intense ripeness, then aged in cognac-style barrels with a high toast. The result is a rich and black-fruited wine with loads of cassis and blackberry. There's a slight smoky note that adds another layer. Never have I had a Merlot like this from Prince Edward County, proving once again that 2020 was a very special year. (**** ½)
