RKS 2025 Canadian Wine: Southbrook Triomphe Merlot From Niagara

Posted byRobert K Stephen (CSW)Posted inWineTags:, , , ,

Niagara Merlot appears to be making great strides for itself whether it be Peninsula Ridge or Peller Estates. Could it be a judicious use of oak that is the key?

This Southbrook Organic Merlot was wild fermented in new and used French oak barrels aged for 18 months.

Aroma: Raspberry, black cherry and cassis with a slight earthy funk.

Palate: Moderate and peppery tannins. Chalky if not brackish running hot. Pepper, blackberry and raspberry continuing hotness on the long finish.

Personality:  I admit it I am a bit of a hothead obfuscating that trademark Southbrook purity. You won’t get warm and fuzzy Washington State Merlot from me.

Food Match: Stuffed Ontario field tomatoes and eggplant with lots of dill!

Cellarbility: Can hold into 2028 but can’t see it improving.

Price: $28 CDN.

RKS 2025 Canadian Wine Rating: 86/100. Rick VanSickle 91.

(Southbrook triomphe Organic 2021 Merlot, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Southbrook Vineyards Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, 750 mL, 13%).

Published by Robert K Stephen (CSW)

Robert K Stephen writes about food ,drink, travel, film, and lifestyle issues. He also has published serialized novels "Life at Megacorp", "Virus # 26, "Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog" and "The Penniless Pensioner" Robert was the first associate member of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada. He also holds a Mindfulness Certification from the University of Leiden and the University of Toronto. Be it Spanish cured meat, dried fruit, BBQ, or recycled bamboo place mats, Robert endeavours to escape the mundane, which is why he has established this publication. His motto is, "Have Story, Will Write."

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