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2019 Merlot

Tasting Notes by Valerie Van der Gracht

Geographical Indication: Okanagan Valley VQA, British Columbia
Vineyard: Oxbow Reach
Varietal: 100% Merlot
Alcohol: 14.6%
Residual Sugar: Dry
Volume: 750 mL

Style Snapshot

A medium-plus bodied, plush Okanagan Merlot with ripe dark fruit, polished tannins, and a warming finish. солне-driven ripeness balanced by enough acidity to keep it structured and food-friendly.

Quality Score: 92 – Decant 1.5–2 hours. Serve slightly below room temperature (16–18°C). Drink now through 2028.

Wine Description

Appearance: Maroon core with garnet rim, showing early evolution
Nose: Ripe blackberry, Italian plum, subtle cocoa and a gentle savoury note (old pipe tobacco)
Palate: Medium+ body with silky, well-integrated tannins. Layers of plum, blueberry, and blackberry unfold into a cocoa-tinged, lingering finish. Balanced acidity keeps the richness in check.
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Drinking Window: Now–2028

Food Pairing Suggestions

Appetizer: Wild mushroom and thyme tart (Food & Wine-inspired). Earthy umami mirrors the wine’s savoury notes; moderate acidity lifts the richness
Cheese: Aged Ontario cheddar. Firm texture and savoury depth soften tannins and highlight the wine’s fruit core.
Main: Slow-roasted beef tenderloin with rosemary and garlic (NYT Cooking-style). Protein softens tannins; the wine’s plush fruit complements the richness without overwhelming.
Vegetarian: Miso-glazed eggplant with sesame and ginger (Bon Appétit-inspired). Umami and sweetness harmonise with the wine’s ripe fruit and cocoa notes; avoid overly bitter elements.
Dessert: Dark chocolate and blackberry tart. Echoes the wine’s cocoa and dark fruit—keep sweetness moderate so the wine doesn’t taste sharp.

Additional Notes
This is a classic Okanagan expression—sun-ripened fruit, generous texture, and polished structure shaped by warm days and cool nights . Ideal for autumn and winter entertaining, especially with slow-cooked dishes or fireside sipping.

While robust enough for richer meats, its refined tannins and balanced acidity allow it to remain versatile—even alongside umami-driven vegetarian dishes. A confident, well-crafted Merlot that comfortably overdelivers for its category.

2019 Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes by Valerie Van der Gracht

Geographical Indication: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Vineyard: Oxbow Reach
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14.2%
Residual Sugar: Dry
Volume: 750 ml

Style Snapshot

A ripe, sun-kissed Okanagan Cabernet Franc—medium-bodied yet richly textured, with dark fruit depth, supple tannins, and lifted floral notes. Balanced acidity keeps it fresh, making it an excellent partner for refined, flavour-forward dishes.

Quality Score: 94. Decant for ~30 minutes. Serve slightly cool (16–17°C) to lift aromatics and maintain freshness. Drinking beautifully now, with potential to evolve through 2028.

Wine Description

Appearance: Deep burgundy core with moderate intensity
Nose: Ripe blackberry, plum, and dark cherry layered with violet florals and a subtle mineral lift
Palate: Medium-bodied with a generous core of ripe berries and dark stone fruit (plum, prune). Tannins sit at light-to-medium, giving structure without heaviness. A hint of tobacco and savoury depth leads into a smooth, velvety finish. Balanced acidity keeps the richness in check.
Serving Temperature: 16–17°C
Drinking Window: Now to 2028

Food Pairing Suggestions

Appetizer: Seared duck breast crostini with cherry compote. The wine’s acidity cuts through the duck’s richness, while its dark fruit mirrors the cherry (WSET: acid vs fat, flavour bridge).
Cheese: Aged Comté or Ontario Alpine-style cheese. Nutty, savoury tones complement the wine’s subtle tobacco and soften tannins (WSET: salt reduces perceived tannin).
Main: Beef Wellington. A natural match. The wine’s structure supports the richness of beef and pastry, while its acidity prevents palate fatigue.
Alternative: Thick-cut prime rib with rosemary just for a simpler but equally effective pairing.
Vegetarian: Mushroom and lentil shepherd’s pie (Smitten Kitchen–style). Earthy umami from mushrooms enhances the wine’s savoury notes, while lentils provide weight to match intensity (WSET: match flavour intensity, umami softens fruit).
Dessert: Dark chocolate and plum torte. Echoes the wine’s plum and prune character. Keep sweetness moderate so the wine doesn’t taste overly sharp (WSET: wine should be as sweet or sweeter than the dish).

Additional Notes
This is a classic Okanagan expression—ripe, generous fruit shaped by warm days and cool nights, giving both power and freshness. Compared to Niagara Cabernet Franc, this leans more into plush texture and dark fruit rather than herbal lift.

A perfect bottle for cool-weather dining (autumn through early spring in Canada)—ideal for celebratory meals or when you want a red that feels luxurious but not overwhelming.
Well-judged tannins and acidity make it versatile across rich dishes, but it truly shines when paired with protein-driven mains or deeply savoury vegetarian plates.

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Gold Medal by WineAlign
Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Vineyard/Producer: Gold Hill Winery
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: Dry
Volume: 750 ml

Style Snapshot

A bright, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc with zesty citrus, tropical lift, and classic herbaceous notes. Medium-bodied with lively acidity, it’s crisp, refreshing, and effortlessly food-friendly.

Quality Score: 89. Serve well chilled (8–10°C). No decanting required. Drink now through 2027 for optimal freshness and vibrancy.

Wine Description

Appearance: Pale straw with a subtle lime tint
Nose: Fresh and expressive—grassy notes lead into passionfruit, with a lively, green-edged aromatic profile
Palate: Dry, medium-bodied with crisp flavours of kiwi, lime, and lemon. Bright acidity drives the wine, giving it energy and precision, while a clean, persistent finish highlights its freshness
Serving Temperature: 8–10°C
Drinking Window: Now through 2027

Food Pairing Suggestions

Appetizer: Shaved asparagus salad with lemon, olive oil, and parmesan (NYT Cooking-inspired). Asparagus is notoriously tricky, but Sauvignon Blanc’s herbal edge handles it beautifully.
Cheese: Fresh goat cheese (chèvre). A textbook pairing—its tangy acidity mirrors the wine while creamy texture softens its sharpness.
Main: Grilled shrimp and herb skewers with citrus marinade (Epicurious-style). Bright, zesty flavours align with the wine’s citrus profile, while light protein keeps the pairing balanced.
Vegetarian: Artichoke and pea risotto with mint and lemon. A confident pairing—artichokes can clash with many wines, but Sauvignon Blanc’s acidity and green notes make it shine.
Dessert: Lemon tart with a lightly sweetened crust. Citrus-driven and restrained in sweetness, allowing the wine’s acidity to remain refreshing rather than sharp.

Additional Notes
This Sauvignon Blanc reflects the fresh yet fruit-driven character of the Okanagan Valley, where warm days enhance tropical notes like passionfruit, while cool nights preserve the bright acidity essential to the style. Compared to a leaner Niagara Sauvignon Blanc, this expression offers a touch more ripeness while retaining its crisp, herbaceous identity.

A lively, versatile white—perfect for spring and summer dining, or anytime you want a wine that refreshes as much as it complements the plate.

2022 Cabernet Franc Rosé

Gold Medal by WineAlign
Tasting Notes by Valerie Van der Gracht

Geographical Indication: Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Vineyard: Golden Mile Slopes
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 11.6%
Residual Sugar: Dry
Volume: 750 ml

Style Snapshot

A vibrant, fruit-forward Okanagan rosé with ripe orchard and red berry character, balanced by crisp acidity and subtle structure. Slightly fuller than a typical pale rosé, making it equally suited to patio sipping or the table—particularly in late spring through summer.

Quality Score: 90. Serve lightly chilled (8–10°C). No decanting required, though a brief aeration can open the fruit. Drink now. This wine is at (or just beyond) its ideal window—expect softer fruit and a more rounded profile. Best enjoyed immediately rather than cellared further.

Wine Description

Appearance: Clean and clear, pale apricot hue with delicate brightness.
Nose: Fresh-cut fruit with ripe peach, nectarine, and a light lift of mandarin orange.
Palate: Dry, medium-bodied, and fruit-forward. Ripe raspberry and rhubarb meet stone fruit richness, supported by excellent acidity and a subtle phenolic grip that adds structure and food friendliness.
Serving Temperature: 8–10°C
Drinking Window: Now through 2025

Food Pairing Suggestions

Appetizer: Salmon rillettes with lemon and herbs (Smitten Kitchen-style). The wine’s acidity refreshes the richness, while citrus notes mirror the mandarin lift in the wine.
Cheese: Triple-cream Brie or a soft French-style bloomy rind. Creamy fat softens the wine’s acidity, while salt enhances its fruit expression.
Main: Slow-baked spring salmon with béchamel, peas, and parsley. A perfect echo of your instinct: the wine’s acidity cuts through the creamy sauce, while its body stands up to the richness. The red berry notes complement the salmon’s natural sweetness beautifully.
Vegetarian: Roasted rhubarb and goat cheese tart with thyme. A clever flavour bridge: rhubarb mirrors the wine’s tart fruit, while goat cheese adds tang and creaminess for balance.
Dessert: Strawberry and basil shortcake (lightly sweet). Keep sweetness moderate—just enough to avoid overpowering the dry wine. The berry notes align seamlessly.

Additional Notes
This is a classic Okanagan expression—sun-ripened fruit with freshness preserved by cool nights. Compared to Niagara rosé, it leans slightly riper and more generous, which explains its ability to handle cream sauces and richer seafood.

A rosé with genuine versatility: equally at home as an aperitif or alongside a thoughtfully composed meal. One to keep on hand through the warmer months—it rewards both casual sipping and deliberate pairing.

2022 Charisma Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Vineyard/Producer: Gold Hill Winery
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: Dry
Volume: 750 ml

Style Snapshot

A stylish, cool-influenced Okanagan Pinot Noir with bright red fruit, subtle earthiness, and a silky, medium-bodied frame. Fresh acidity and fine tannins make it exceptionally versatile at the table.

Quality Score: 91. Serve slightly cool (14–16°C). No extended decanting needed—30 minutes is sufficient. Drink now through 2027 for peak freshness and aromatic lift.

Wine Description

Appearance: Clear, medium ruby
Nose: Lifted and aromatic—fresh cherry and raspberry layered with a delicate forest floor note, adding complexity and a gentle savoury edge
Palate: Dry, medium-bodied with vibrant cherry and raspberry flavours at the forefront. Fine tannins and lively acidity create a balanced, elegant structure. The finish is smooth, fresh, and quietly persistent
Serving Temperature: 14–16°C
Drinking Window: Now through 2027

Food Pairing Suggestions

Appetizer: Wild mushroom tart with thyme (Bon Appétit-inspired). Echoes the wine’s forest floor notes while matching its medium intensity.
Cheese: Brie or Camembert (soft bloomy rind). Creamy texture softens acidity while enhancing the wine’s red fruit and earthy undertones.
Main: Grilled chicken breast with rosemary and garlic. A classic pairing—the wine’s acidity lifts the lean protein while herbs highlight its savoury nuances.
Vegetarian: Roasted beet and goat cheese salad with walnuts (Epicurious-style). Earthy beets and tangy cheese mirror the wine’s structure, while walnuts add depth and texture.
Dessert: Raspberry almond tart. Keeps within the wine’s bright red fruit spectrum, with restrained sweetness to maintain balance.

Additional Notes
This Pinot Noir reflects the Okanagan’s ability to balance ripeness with freshness, offering slightly more fruit generosity than a classic Niagara expression, yet retaining enough acidity and structure to remain elegant and food-friendly.

A quietly sophisticated red—ideal for early autumn evenings, relaxed dinners, or any occasion where finesse matters more than power.

2022 Charisma Un-Oaked Chardonnay

Tasting Notes by Valerie Van der Gracht

Geographical Indication: Okanagan Valley
Vineyard/Producer: Charisma Wines
Varietal: Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13%
Volume: 750 ml

Style Snapshot

A bright, fruit-forward, un-oaked Chardonnay from the sunny Okanagan — light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and pure orchard and citrus fruit. Clean, refreshing, and made for easy summer sipping or relaxed food pairings.

Quality Score: 88 – Best served well chilled (8–10°C). Drink now for its fresh, vibrant fruit. No decanting needed.

Wine Description

Appearance: Pale yellow, crystal clear.
Nose: Light and fresh — spring blossoms layered with white grapefruit and a hint of citrus peel.
Palate: Crisp and fruit-driven, showing citrus, green apple, and soft apricot. No oak influence, allowing the bright acidity and clean fruit profile to shine through.
Serving Temperature: 8–10°C
Drinking Window: Now–2026

Pairing Suggestions

Appetizer: Thai-style shrimp lettuce wraps with lime and herbs — the wine’s acidity lifts the dish, while its fruit softens chilli heat (a classic off-dry/fruit vs spice balance).
Cheese: Ontario goat’s cheese (chèvre) — bright acidity mirrors the tanginess of the cheese, creating a clean, refreshing pairing.
Main: Grilled chicken skewers with lemon and herbs — matching flavour intensity and citrus notes keeps the pairing harmonious and easy.
Vegetarian: Zucchini and corn fritters with yoghurt-dill sauce — the wine cuts through the slight oiliness while complementing sweet summer vegetables.
Dessert: Peach and almond galette — the wine’s apricot and orchard fruit notes echo the dessert without overwhelming it (keeping sweetness in balance).

Additional Notes
This is a textbook example of Okanagan’s sunny yet balanced style — ripe fruit from warm days, lifted by freshness from cool nights.

Un-oaked Chardonnay like this leans into purity and drinkability rather than richness, making it incredibly versatile. It’s right at home with picnic fare, lakeside meals, or anything off the grill — a proper Canadian summer wine.

“Not your mother’s Chardonnay” fits perfectly here: no butter, no heaviness — just clean, vibrant fruit and effortless charm.

2018 Grand Vin

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler


Geographical Indication: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Vineyard/Producer: Gold Hill Winery
Varietal: Bordeaux-style blend (Cabernet Franc 27.3%, Cabernet Sauvignon 27.3%, Malbec 27.3%, Merlot 18%)
Alcohol: ~14%
Residual Sugar: Dry
Volume: 750 ml

Style Snapshot
A powerful yet polished Okanagan Bordeaux blend—full-bodied with firm, youthful tannins, layered black fruit, and pronounced oak spice. Built for cellaring, but already compelling with the right, protein-rich dishes.

Quality Score: 95 Points. Decant 1–2 hours. Serve at 16–18°C. Hold 2–3 years to allow tannins to integrate and complexity to deepen.


Wine Description

Appearance: Dense, opaque purple with a youthful core.
Nose: Expressive and layered—blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar, vanilla, and baking spice with a polished oak signature.
Palate: Dry, full-bodied, and richly extracted. Concentrated black fruits (cassis, blackberry) are framed by firm tannins, lively acidity, and sweet oak spice. Long, structured finish with excellent balance.
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Drinking Window: 2026–2030+


Food Pairing Suggestions

Appetizer: Duck rillettes with cornichons & toasted sourdough (French bistro / NYT Cooking style). Rich, fatty texture softens tannins, while acidity from pickles refreshes the palate.
Cheese: Aged Canadian cheddar or Comté-style cheese. Salt and fat reduce astringency and allow the wine’s black fruit and oak spice to shine.
Main: Herb-crusted roast lamb with garlic, rosemary & jus (classic / Bon Appétit). A natural match—protein tames tannin, while herbal notes echo the wine’s savoury complexity.
Vegetarian: Roasted aubergine & black lentil stew with warm spices (Zahav-inspired). Earthy, umami-rich flavours mirror the wine’s depth; lentils provide the weight needed to stand up to its structure.
Dessert: Bittersweet chocolate pot de crème with sea salt. Keep sweetness restrained—dark chocolate complements the wine’s tannin and oak without clashing.

Additional Notes
This Grand Vin showcases the Okanagan Valley’s warm, dry growing season, delivering ripe fruit concentration across all Bordeaux varieties, balanced by retained acidity from cool nights. Compared to Niagara blends, this expression is broader, riper, and more opulent, yet still structured for ageing.

A cellar-worthy wine that rewards patience—but with the right dish, it already offers a deeply satisfying, structured pairing experience.

2021 Charisma Cabernet Merlot

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Vineyard/Producer: Gold Hill Winery
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot blend
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: Dry
Volume: 750 ml

Style Snapshot

bold yet composed Okanagan red blend, offering dark fruit depth layered with spice, smoke, and savoury complexity. Medium+ to full-bodied with structured tannins, it’s built for hearty, slow-cooked dishes and will benefit from short-term cellaring.

Quality Score: 89. Decant 1–2 hours if opening now. Serve at 17–18°C. Drink now or hold through 2028 for added integration and complexity.

Wine Description

Appearance: Deep ruby with good intensity
Nose: Complex and savoury—blackberry and plum layered with spice, subtle smoke, and a faint tarry note, framed by gentle oak influence
Palate: Dry, medium+ to full-bodied with rich blackberry and plum flavours. Structured tannins provide grip, while savoury and lightly smoky notes add depth. Balanced acidity keeps the wine from feeling heavy, leading to a firm, lingering finish
Serving Temperature: 17–18°C
Drinking Window: Now through 2028 (best from 2024 onward for added harmony)

Food Pairing Suggestions

Appetizer: Grilled eggplant with tahini and pomegranate (Zahav-inspired). Smoky eggplant mirrors the wine’s savoury notes, while acidity from pomegranate keeps the pairing lively.
Cheese: Aged Gouda. Nutty, slightly caramelized flavours complement the wine’s oak and dark fruit, while its firmness stands up to tannin.
Main: Pepper-crusted steak with red wine jus. A classic high-success pairing—protein softens tannins while pepper and char echo the wine’s spice and smoky profile.
Vegetarian: Braised lentils with roasted root vegetables and herbs (NYT Cooking-inspired). Earthy, hearty, and structured enough to match the wine’s weight, with herbs tying into its savoury complexity.
Dessert: Spiced plum crumble (lightly sweet). Keeps within the wine’s flavour spectrum—plum and spice—while avoiding excessive sweetness that would clash with a dry red.

Additional Notes
This blend reflects the sun-soaked intensity of the Okanagan Valley, where Cabernet and Merlot develop ripe fruit, supple texture, and layered savoury notes. Compared to Niagara blends, this style is typically fuller and more fruit-forward, with a touch more warmth and generosity.

A confident, versatile red—equally suited to a winter braise or a summer evening steak on the grill, with enough structure to reward a bit of patience in the cellar.

2023 Charisma Pinot Gris

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Vineyard/Producer: Gold Hill Winery
Varietal: Pinot Gris
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: Dry
Volume: 750 ml

Style Snapshot

A richly textured, oak-influenced Pinot Gris with ripe orchard fruit, subtle toast, and lively balancing acidity. Full-bodied yet fresh, this is a versatile white that comfortably bridges seafood and lighter roasted meats.

Quality Score: 90. Serve lightly chilled (10–12°C). No decanting required. Drink now through 2027 while its balance of fruit and structure is at its peak.

Wine Description

Appearance: Old gold, suggesting some richness and possible oak influence
Nose: Inviting and layered—toasty vanilla notes lead into ripe pear, peach, and a gentle hazelnut richness
Palate: Dry and full-bodied, with peach and pear at the core. The texture is rounded and generous, balanced by lively acidity that carries the flavours through to a firm, structured finish
Serving Temperature: 10–12°C
Drinking Window: Now through 2027

Food Pairing Suggestions

Appetizer: Seared scallops with brown butter and lemon (NYT Cooking-inspired). Sweet scallops echo the wine’s ripe fruit, while acidity lifts the richness of the butter.
Cheese: Comté or aged Gruyère. Nutty, slightly тәт sweet tones mirror the wine’s hazelnut and vanilla notes, while the firm texture matches its body.
Main: Roast pork loin with apple and thyme (classic, elevated comfort). A natural pairing—apple and pear notes align beautifully, while the wine’s acidity cuts through the pork’s richness.
Vegetarian: Butternut squash and sage risotto with toasted hazelnuts (Bon Appétit-inspired). Creamy texture meets bright acidity, while squash and hazelnut mirror the wine’s flavour profile seamlessly.
Dessert: Pear and almond tart. Keeps within the wine’s flavour spectrum without overpowering its dryness—subtle sweetness ensures balance.

Additional Notes
This Pinot Gris reflects the ripe, sun-driven style of the Okanagan Valley, where warm days build generous fruit and texture, while cool രാത്ര nights preserve acidity. Compared to a leaner Niagara Pinot Gris, this expression is broader, richer, and more textural—making it particularly suited to autumn and early winter dining.

A confident, food-friendly white that rewards pairing just as much as sipping—equally suited to a dinner party centrepiece or a refined weeknight meal.

2022 Syrah

Tasting Notes by Tony Aspler

Geographical Indication: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Vineyard/Producer: Gold Hill Winery
Varietal: Syrah
Alcohol: 13%
Residual Sugar: Dry
Volume: 750 ml

Style Snapshot

A powerful, sun-ripened Okanagan Syrah with concentrated dark fruit, peppery spice, and oak complexity. Full-bodied with a long, mouth-filling finish, it balances richness with structure and is built for both immediate enjoyment and short-term cellaring.

Quality Score: 91. Decant 1–2 hours to open aromatics and soften structure. Serve at 17–18°C. Drink now or cellar through 2027–2028.

Wine Description

Appearance: Deep ruby with high intensity.
Nose: Expressive and layered—blackberry and mulberry lead, followed by classic white pepper and warm oak spice
Palate: Dry, full-bodied and concentrated. Rich flavours of black plum and mulberry dominate, supported by peppery spice and subtle oak. Firm but integrated tannins provide structure, while balanced acidity carries the wine to a long, mouth-filling finish
Serving Temperature: 17–18°C
Drinking Window: Now through 2028

Food Pairing Suggestions

Appetizer: Grilled lamb kofta with yogurt and herbs (Zahav-inspired). Spice and char echo the wine’s peppery profile, while yogurt cools and balances the palate.
Cheese: Aged Manchego. Firm and savoury with a nutty edge—stands up to the wine’s body while complementing its spice and depth.
Main: BBQ beef short ribs with smoky glaze (Food & Wine-style). A natural match—fat and protein soften tannins, while smoky sweetness amplifies the wine’s dark fruit and spice.
Vegetarian: Grilled portobello mushrooms with black pepper and balsamic glaze. Meaty texture and umami depth align beautifully with Syrah’s structure and savoury character.
Dessert: Dark chocolate and blackberry tart. Keeps within the wine’s flavour profile, with restrained sweetness to avoid clashing with a dry, tannic red.

Additional Notes
This Syrah captures the bold, sun-driven character of the southern Okanagan, where heat builds concentration and ripeness, while cooler nights preserve enough acidity to maintain balance. Compared to cooler-climate expressions, this style is fuller, richer, and more fruit-forward, with pronounced spice and depth.

A confident, structured red that shines alongside fire-grilled dishes—equally suited to summer barbecue season or a hearty winter table.

2020 Merlot

Tasting Notes by Valerie Van der Gracht

Geographical Indication: Golden Mile Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Vineyard/Producer: Gold Hill Winery
Varietal: Merlot
Alcohol: 14.6%
Residual Sugar: Dry
Volume: 750 ml

Style Snapshot

A rich, sun-ripened Okanagan Merlot with plush dark fruit, soft tannins, and savoury depth. Full yet balanced, it offers both generosity and structure—well-suited to slow-cooked dishes and comforting, flavourful plates.

Quality Score: 90. Decant generously (2–4 hours) to fully open the aromatics and soften the structure. Serve slightly cool at 17–18°C to maintain freshness and balance. Drink now through 2029.

Wine Description

Appearance: Shimmering ruby red with good viscosity (“legs”)
Nose: Ripe and layered—blackberry and stewed plum lead, followed by hints of tobacco and a gentle herbaceous note that adds lift and complexity
Palate: Dry, medium+ to full-bodied with rich blackberry and stewed fruit carrying through. Subtle herbal tones provide balance, while medium, supple tannins give structure without heaviness. Acidity keeps the wine lively, leading to a smooth, lingering finish
Serving Temperature: 17–18°C
Drinking Window: Now through 2029


Food Pairing Suggestions

Appetizer: Charcuterie board with cured meats, olives, and grainy mustard (Bon Appétit-inspired). Salt and fat mellow the tannins, while savoury flavours highlight the wine’s earthy and herbal nuances.
Cheese: Aged Cheddar (Ontario). Firm, savoury, and slightly sharp—its salt content softens tannins while complementing the wine’s ripe fruit and depth.
Main: Slow-braised beef short ribs with root vegetables (Food & Wine-style). A classic high-success pairing—protein softens tannins, while the dish’s richness matches the wine’s weight and intensity.
Vegetarian: Zuncchini Parmesan (melanzane-style, layered and baked). Tomato acidity lifts the wine, while the richness of cheese and texture of baked vegetables mirror its body and smoothness.
Dessert: Dark chocolate and plum torte. A restrained sweetness works with the wine’s ripe fruit profile, while cocoa echoes its depth—keeping the pairing balanced rather than cloying.

Additional Notes
This Merlot reflects the warm, structured character of the Golden Mile Slopes—a prime Okanagan subregion known for producing ripe, concentrated reds with balanced acidity. Compared to cooler-climate Merlot (e.g., Niagara), this expression is fuller, softer, and more fruit-driven, making it especially adaptable to hearty, comforting cuisine.

A confident reminder of Merlot’s true pedigree—polished, expressive, and far from the outdated stereotypes. This is a bottle that rewards patience in decanting and shines equally at a relaxed dinner or a more elevated table.