• The following 2016 Château des Charmes ‘St. David’s Bench’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from one of the warmest sites in the Niagara peninsula some 10 km from Lake Ontario. The St. David’s Bench Vineyard is located within the VQA-designated area of St. David’s Bench allowing grape ripening and maturity most years. Limestone-enriched water flows down the Niagara escarpment via underground artesian springs adding character and interest to the organoleptic qualities of the wine.

• The wine-friendly 2016 vintage is on full display in this splendid cool-climate cabernet sauvignon. Even more so are the winemaking talents of Château des Charmes’, Amelie Boury, Vice-President, Winemaking and Operations, and her team… Kudos!

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Château des Charmes ‘St. David’s Bench’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
VQA St. David’s Bench $34.95 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of floral, mixed spice and herbal notes dominate the aroma profile. It’s incredibly smooth and creamy on the palate while strutting its stuff with deft balance and ripe fruit flavours of dark Bing cherry and hints of bramble berry interlaced with wisps of minerality and excellent acidity. It finishes with great purity of fruit and balanced on a pin. This punches well above the price and deserves serious consideration. It’s drinking well now and should for five or more years. (Vic Harradine)