As a single varietal Ontario Merlot rarely shines. Jazz it up with lots of oak then it just might work. But being a glutton for punishment I try yet another Ontario Merlot. You know that priest in the DaVinci Code that self flagellates well that might be akin to me drinking a good Ontario Merlot. But bless the Lord perhaps there is an exception or a Papal Dispensation concerning the Puddicombe Estate 1797, 2019 Reserve Merlot?
Aroma: Blackberry, cassis, black cherry and a bit of cooked rhubarb pie filling.
Palate: Tannins are in the medium range initially but gain in intensity and rawness with aeration of the wine. The inviting aromatics do not translate to the palate. The wine is struggling to flash some fruit but without return for the struggle. There is no readily apparent fruit but if one concentrates and digs there is at best some chalky blackberry and cassis. Yes indeed I am a glutton for punishment with Ontario Merlot yet again.Waiting for the next top line Ontario Merlot is like waiting for the Toronto Maple Leafs to win their next Stanley Cup.
Personality: Not much positivity to speak of like Trudeau and his disastrous immigration policy.
Cellarbility: Drink now.
Food Match: Wink. Wink. You know what I mean when I say a Friday night wine.
Price: $20.60 CDN (markdown).
RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 77/100.
(Puddicombe Estate Winery 1797, 2019 Reserve Merlot, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Puddicombe Estate Winery, Stoney Creek, Ontario. 750 mL, 13%).
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