Merlot, France's famed Bordeaux varietal is also the most grown grape grown in the Okanagan. "Little Blackbird" the French translation for Merlot is an elegant medium-bodied red wine known for it's luscious fruit, velvety texture and low tannins. If you have been drinking white and rosé wines all summer, Merlot is the perfect transition for fall. Celebrate the changing of the leaves with these 5 excellent B.C. Merlots.
Australian winemaker, Jeff Martin arrived in the Okanagan in 1995 as the winemaker for Quails Gate Winery. In 1999, he chose the Naramata Bench to open his own winery, La Frenz along with his wife and partner, Niva. Jeff caused a major upset when his small Canadian winery won “Best of Show” for the La Frenz 2005 Merlot (800 cases made) at the Northwest Wine Summit. This was the first time a Canadian winery had won the award in the 12 year history of the Northwest Wine Summit, the largest wine competition held in the Pacific Northwest. La Frenz Merlot remains one of the very best in Canada. Outstanding value.
La Frenz 2014 Merlot. ($22.52)
"Enticing notes of ripe berries and plums laced with vanilla bean. On the palate, you’ll experience a velvety richness and elegant structure. Dense flavours are abundant particularly of ripe black cherries, baking spices, dried fruit mix and Black Forest cake."
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, located on the famed Golden Mile Bench opened their winery in 1993. Merlot is one of their flagship wines and they are recognized as one of Canada’s top producers. Their special Oldfield Series, celebrates the very best of each year's vintage. Their 2012 Old Series Merlot, now available, just took home the Best BC Merlot at the 2016 British Columbia Best of Varietal Awards. Excellent value.
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Merlot. ($26.00)
"Deep, dark purple colour shows this wine has longevity. Very expressive nose; vanilla, caramel, and plum jam. Opulent and rich on the palate, with layers of red and black fruit. Underlying spicy tones, cinnamon, clove and a long fruit driven finish."
First planted with vines imported from France in 1992, the Black Sage Vineyard helped establish the Okanagan has an excellent wine growing region. In 2010 Sumac Ridge, launched Black Sage under it's own label to celebrate the small-lot wines made exclusively from this vineyard.
Black Sage Vineyard Merlot. ($24.99)
"A nice mix of black plum and dark cherry with hints of clove, vanilla and sweet smoke on the nose. On the palate, red fruit dominates with hints of spice such as cinnamon and clove. The tannins are round, soft and mouth coating with just a touch of sweetness."
One of BC's first cult wineries, Burrowing Owl is one of the most recognized labels both in Canada and internationally. Their 2012 Merlot took home a Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition and their 2013 vintage, now excitedly available was awarded a Gold Medal at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirit Awards. Get it while you can.
Burrowing Owl 2013 Merlot. ($30.00)
"A mix of brambly red berry fruit on the nose with paprika, roasted red pepper, stewed plum, black cherry, dark chocolate and violet. The palate is dry, full bodied and has nice vibrant mixed red and black brambly berry fruit, crisp acidity, the punch of blackberry, juiciness of plum, blueberry, smooth tannins and dark chocolate, dried thyme and some dusty earth."
Monster Vineyards is the little sister to BC’s well known Poplar Grove Winery, both located on the Naramata Bench. Monster Vineyards focuses on affordable everyday drinking wines. The winery is a must visit not only for their wines but for the one of kind a tasting bar featuring two large chainsaw carved monster heads, made from beautiful California Redwood. For an easy-drinking Merlot that won't break the bank, try Monster Vineyards.
Monster Vineyards 2013 Merlot. ($19.90)
"Aromas of berry, cocoa and cigar box with a hint of sage. The palate brings on Black Forest cake, flavours of Bing cherry, chocolate and a hint of orange peel." Good value.
