Reif Estate ‘Reserve’ Merlot 2007
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $24.95 (310914) 13.0% alcohol
(Slated for release March 1, 2010) Very expressive on the nose—savoury spice, gamey bacon bits and toasty oak—this charming number reflects the great red-wine vintage of 2007. A wash of Bordeaux-like flavours persist on the palate with minty chocolate, dark berry fruit and dustings of mocha predominant. It’s mid weight, medium textured and sports ripe approachable tannin on the long lip-smacking finish. Purchase by the case direct from Reif Estate. (Vic Harradine)