2022 Painted Rock Merlot | 92pts

The 2022 Painted Rock Merlot is a textbook example of what the Skaha Bench does so well with this varietal. Bold but balanced, rich but lifted, and very well built from start to finish.

The nose is savoury and dark fruit driven, with blue fruit surfing throughout. Floral notes emerge with a little air, alongside tobacco and dark chocolate. Layered and inviting.

The palate delivers everything you'd expect from a world-class warm-climate Merlot. Black cherry, crushed raspberry, black currant, with a pleasant streak of savouriness, tobacco, and loads of dark chocolate on the finish. The oak is perfectly integrated. The tannins show a little grip right now, but that will resolve beautifully over the next couple of years.

All in all, a great Merlot with premium character and the structure to age gracefully. I was ready to give this wine 93 points or higher, and the only reason I didn't was a slight bitter note on the finish. I hope it resolves over time and reward those with patience.

92 points Carl's Wine Club, 92 points David Lawrason, Silver, WineAlign

BC Okanagan Valley VQA Skaha Bench VQA

100% Merlot

Dry Wine | RS: 1.9g/L | 14.6% ABV | Drink from 2025 to 2037

Pairings: beef Wellington, vegetarian chili