2021 Monte Creek “Living Land Series” Cabernet Merlot | 91pts

The BC VQA designation tells me that the fruits were sourced between the Okanagan Valley, the Similkameen and the homeland of the Thompson River Valley in Kamloops, BC. This is a plush and juicy wine showing a readiness and approachability that make it very enjoyable right now. 19 months of aging in French oak, which included 20% in new barrels, definitely adds depth and complexity.  On the nose, fragrance of cassis, dark cherry, cherry wood, mocha, tobacco, vanilla beans and black licorice burst out of the glass while the palate exudes a similar profile which includes a soft tannic structure, moderate frame of acidity and a delicate spicy finish. This is a FANTASTIC crowd pleaser option, as the price is right on the money! Personally, I’m much higher on this wine than the Bronze Medal at the recent WineAlign competition. This is at least a Silver medal, if not a Gold medal candidate. (CWC, March 30, 2024).

2021 Monte Creek “Living Land Series” Cabernet Merlot

VQA British Columbia

57% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Franc | Dry (RS 0.3 g/L) | 14.1% ABV

91pts Carl's Wine Club | Bronze, WineAlign 2024

Food pairing: bacon cheeseburger, meat lasagna

Drink now until 2028

Winery Price: $26.99 | $31.14 including tax/dep