2019 Niagara College “Balance” Merlot | 90+pts

ON, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
100% Merlot | Dry | 13.0% ABV
90+pts | Carl's Wine Club

It’s hard to go wrong with a well-made, 5+ year-old Merlot scoring 90+pts at around the $20 mark. These wines are rare finds!

Fruity and approachable, this Merlot showcases the full potential of NOTL terroir. The nose is rich with aromas of dark cherry, wild raspberry, cassis, dark chocolate, and cedar. The palate is beautifully textured, with well-balanced alcohol and integrated oak.

Flavours of blue plum, blackberry, dark cocoa, and tobacco unfold gracefully, with hints of clove, white pepper, and toasty barrel aging enhancing the long, satisfying finish. Overdelivers on expectations for a 2019 vintage!

– Carl Boucher, Jan 5, 2025

Food pairings:

Meat lover’s pizza, slow-cooked beef stew

Drink now until 2028