The Okanagan in British Columbia can produce top notch red wines including Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Given that solid reputation is it then simply a question whether Mayhem winemaker Ajay Chavan has the skills to produce this blend that will invoke the wow factor? I should add the wine was in my passive cellar at a summer temperature of 64 degrees about ten degrees higher than its winter temperature. I had to pop in the freezer for 10 minutes to bring it to a proper cool temperature. I should have checked the cellar temperature before opening the wine. Red wine should be served slightly chilled in my humble opinion. Do you ever go to a restaurant and see the wine so nicely displayed on shelves at room temperature! No. No. Sorry for the digression while the wine was chilling.
87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc. Grapes were from Anarchist Mountain Vineyard and the Osoyoos Ryegrass Vineyard. 425 cases were produced.
Aroma: There is enough raspberry floating in the glass one might briefly surmise analogies to Chilean Carménère. Let’s not forget the black cherry, blackberry, root beer, Black Forest Cake and Quebec raisin pie.
Palate: This tastes like the product of a hot growing season as it is all about ripe fruit and the hot finish is no surprise considering an alcohol level just shy of 14%. June was a sizzler in the Okanagan with vineyard tonnages down by close to 35% but canopy management and irrigation scheduling resulted in quality small berries with concentrated flavours. It could be that heat which made me detect some raisin pie on the nose? It was aged 11 months in seasoned French barriques.
Personality: You might want to say I have a bit of a Latin personality. A bit hot and passionate about not love and lust but quality! But I do love (platonically and professionally of course) winemaker Ajay for taming me considering the heat in June! You absolutely must chill me down so I am cool and I am not talking hipster cool!
Cellarbility: I would wait until September to open and would consume by the end of 2025.
Food Match: The winery suggests charred steak topped with Dragon Breath Blue Cheese and roasted fingerling potatoes. Who am I to argue with that. I would be daring to suggest Japanese Cod Curry. White fish and red wine the great evil? Oh yeah give it a try with some SB curry mix!
Price: $24.44 CDN. Check with winery about retail availability but most likely shipping to you is the best option.
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 88/100.
(Mayhem 2021 Cabernet Merlot, Okanagan Valley, B.C. VQA, (produced and bottled under WL302084), Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, 750 mL, 13.8%).
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