River Stone Merlot

The 2020 River Stone Merlot is another brilliant wine from one of our very favourite South Okanagan producers. With a deep purple color as well as a thrilling bouquet of cassis, black cherry, violet, smoked earth, charcoal, and tobacco, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, has obvious minerality, a big palate presence, and a terrific sense of elegance and purity. From the River Rock Vineyard in Oliver, this wine delivers precise flavours of cassis, blackberry, mocha, a savoury mid-palate, kirsh liquor and graphite sensations. The finish is terrific, offering outstanding length with bursts of clove and white pepper. With four years of age at this point, the tannins are soft but present, satisfying and dry, offering a very terroir-driven experience. It’s a beautiful wine, and while I’d happily enjoy this wine today, it’s going to keep for 10 years if you have the patience.