#4: 2020 Ferox “Silver Lion Collection” Merlot 🔥 95pts

Incredible balance between richness and structure. This gorgeous red is rich and concentrated yet also quite elegant. The 2020 vintage is shining throughout this wine, but Fabian Reis has preserved the Niagara acidity and a “Old World” Bordeaux flair. I don’t think that I had a Merlot as complete in terms of grape typicity, and as complex as this one, in half a decade. The nose is generous with aromas of blackberry, black cherry and cassis jam, a hint of fresh Provencal herbs and cedar box. The palate is round and magical, expressive an almost perfect sequence of Merlot delights like blackberry, black currant, cassis, tobacco leaves, charcoal-like minerality and ending with tremendous length and a note of chocolate parfait. The oak aging is melting in the mid-palate, adding extra complexity and oak spice to this majestic wine. Ready to drink now, but a couple of more years of cellaring can bring this Merlot to its full glory. 

Pairings: flaky beef Wellington, venison Bolognese on penne