2020 Black Market “Estate Series” Merlot | 92pts | Nearly sold out!

BC, VQA Okanagan Valley
100% Merlot | Dry (1.9g/L RS) | 13.7% ABV
92pts Carl's Wine Club 

From old vines planted in 1985 at the Conviction Ridge Vineyard, this Merlot has so much to offer. The well managed alcohol level (only 13.7%), the grippy tannins and the oak profile (32 months in French oak) lead me to greatly appreciate this very Bordeaux-esque style of Merlot. The aromas evoke cedar, plum, black & red currant, cassis, vanilla and pipe tobacco. The palate is broad and dense, with fruit components like black cherry and cassis up front, blueberry on the mid-palate and accents of leather, earth and tobacco on the long and graphite-like finish. This old block of Kaleden Merlot is super under rated, providing stunning fruits on a yearly basis. The extra year in barrels gives this wine an absolute WOW factor. (Carl Boucher, September 27, 2024). 

125 cases made.

Food pairings: beef stew, lamb shank with lentil stew
Drink now until 2028
Winery Price: $39+ | $44.95 including tax/dep