VINTAGE & VITICULTURE A slow start to the season with a cool spring but summer brought hot dry weather perfect for grape growing. Mother Nature however turned the tables on winemakers in Ontario with a wet humid fall. Harvest was quick in an effort to pick fruit before rains affected the quality of grapes. WINEMAKER’S NOTES The fermentation and aging was done in large stainless steel vats while a portion was aged in older barriques for 4 months. This vintage has a higher percentage of Merlot similar to last year, than previous vintages with 47% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc. TASTING NOTES Fruit and leather on the nose with flavours of raspberry, plum and mulberry grounded with blackberry and cassis on the palate. A medium bodied wine finishing with a fresh acidity, dark fruit and a touch of Niagara River earthiness. From Italian style pastas to grilled meats. For the vegetarian, wonderful with grilled vegetables, pizza or pepper and onion stuffed portabellos.