If you are going to “make it” with Syrah and Merlot in Ontario generous oak treatment and pristine quality grapes are required.
This is a single vineyard dual variety wine that has spent thirty months in used French oak. 50% each of Syrah and Merlot.
Aroma: Definite Merlot on the nose not lush and plush which one might expect with American oak but on the lean here. But no mistaking Merlot with black cherry, blackberry and smoke giving a richness illustrative of great skill in vinting this wine.
Palate: Lean and focused. The tannins slowly augment on the palate but remain stalled at the moderate level. The acidity here can be detected on the nose but to a lesser degree on the palate. Blackberry and black cherry in delightful harmony with a lovely fade.
Personality: High quality Niagara Merlot and Syrah make me a poster child for Niagara Syrah and Merlot. Much more restrained than Washington State and Cali Merlot which we Canadians no longer purchase.
Food Match: Curried cod Japanese style. Look for SK Curry paste from Japan which you just might find at Metro.
Price: $30 CDN.
RKS 2025 Canadian Wine Rating: 91/100. Wine Align Community Score 89.
(Wending Home Estate Vineyards & Winery 2021 Syrah-Merlot, VQA Ontario, Wending Home Estate Vineyards and Winery, St. Catharines, Ontario, 750 mL, 13%).
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