Samples from Maison Smith Montpetit, located in the heart of the Similkameen Valley in British Columbia, arrived today a brutally cold winter day where minus 13 Celsius seems balmy. Tonight minus 24. Fine for icewine but not so for humans.
The labels bespeak first growth Bordeaux. Simple yet dignified.
Only 150 cases of this 2022 Merlot were produced symptomatic of preciousness.
Hand picked.
Wild yeast fermented.
Only three barrels produced.
Organic.
12 months of barrel ageing (20% neutral Hungarian oak, 30% new French oak and 50% neutral French oak).
The informative label tells much of the story of this wine and states, “Our unique terroir with a desertic climate, strong winds, mountainous soil and glacier moraine elevates our wines to the elegance of a wine from the old world.”
Aroma: Rich and fulsome black fruit predominates. Primary notes of blackberry, blueberry and black cherry. A touch of coal and dark chocolate.
Palate: Full bodied. Moderately tannic in harmony with deft use of oak and perfect discrete acidity. Huge mouthfeel of enormous purity. Everlasting finish.
Personality: I am a very special wine that deserves to be savoured with food and particularly Roast lamb rubbed with garlic and stuffed with Rosemary. Right banker I am..not a wanker!
Cellarbility: Enjoyable now but expect softening and the onset of delicate fruit in 4-6 years where the descriptor may be best stated as ripe, lush and decadent.
Food: LAMB! Enough heft for venison or a rich Mushroom Bourguignon or Wellington.
Price: $33 CDN.
RKS 2026 CANADIAN Wine Rating: 94/100. Gismondi 92.
For more information and other wines https://smithmontpetit.com
(Maison Smith Montpetit Bottega and Vineyards 2022 Merlot, British Columbia VQA, Cawston, British Columbia, 750 mL, 14.8%).
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