A Member Favourite: the 2021 Black Market “The Syndicate” 🔥 93pts

BC, VQA Okanagan Valley
51% Merlot, 18% Cab Sauv, 18% Petit Verdot, 13% Cab Franc | Dry | 14.2% ABV
93pts Carl's Wine Club 

I’m super impressed with the result of this red blend, especially given all the challenges that the 2021 vintage posed to winemakers in BC. It seems like Rob Hammersley has pushed all the right buttons here, because this wine is clean, fresh, and has well-managed alcohol levels and great purity of fruits. On the nose the aromas are centered around dark fruits like blackberry, blackcurrant and cassis, while black licorice, cedar and dark chocolate also wave through the aromatics. With 30 months in French oak including 40% new barrels, the palate is rich, layered and balanced, but also delivers freshness and energy. Flavours of blackcurrants, brambleberries, dark cherry, black plum, dried leaves, sweet tobacco leaves, and dark spices are on full display. The generous portion of Petit Verdot is paramount in the result of this wine adding great depth of colour, but also a notable floral component and clear spice on the finish.  The wine is full bodied with firm, tight-grained tannins and a slate texture through the long and lingering finish. One of the best Bordeaux Blends of the vintage. (Carl Boucher, September 18, 2024). One hour of decanting is highly suggested.
 

250 cases made.

Food pairings: roasted prime rib with chocolate mint sauce, slow cooked short ribs
Drink now until 2031
Winery Price: $44+ | $50.70 including tax/dep