2019 Kobau Merlot

WINE TASTING NOTES

This 100% Merlot comes from our famed Kobau vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench. The nose of this wine exhibits ripe fruit notes of black plum and black currant with hints of cassis, leather, and herbes de Provence. The palate is rich and concentrated displaying baked dark cherry and plum wrapped around with sweet spice notes of clove leading to an earthy finish of cedar and tobacco. This Merlot is full-bodied, well-balanced with plush tannins and a pleasing finish.

WINEMAKER NOTES

A cooler April in 2019 was quickly followed by warm conditions in May and June resulting in perfectly timed bud break in the vineyards. Summer brought more warmth to the valley but temperatures were average and this allowed the vines to fully develop. Harvest started with warm and dry conditions and the early ripening varieties were harvested on schedule. However, by the end of September, a slight change in weather conditions brought cooler temperatures and small amounts of rainfall to the valley. October was warm and had minimal rainfall allowing for more flavour development and acidity retention in the grapes. Harvest 2019 was challenging and required extremely precise vineyard management, however the result of all that hard work is well balanced wines with vibrant fruit characters and freshness.

VINEYARD NOTES

The southerly aspect of the Kobau vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench allow the vines to bask in the early morning sun. On gravelly soils, wines from this vineyard are known for being mineral-driven, well structured, with a balanced ripeness and fresh acidity.

Wine Specs

Vintage: 2019
Acid: 4.65 g/L
pH: 3.68
Residual Sugar: 0.9 g/L
Alcohol: 14.5%
Harvest Date: October 19th 
Bottling Date: September 23rd 2021
Maturation: 20 months in French oak, 30% new
Aging Potential: 8-10 years
Varieties: 100% Merlot