2020 Becker Merlot

TASTING NOTES

On the upper terrace of the Black Sage Bench, Becker Vineyard produces richly concentrated Merlot across five distinct blocks, including pioneering plantings that date to 1993. The exceptional 2020 vintage provided an exquisite balance of ripeness and vibrancy of fruit, with succulent dark plums and macerated cherries that are accented by cola spices, mocha, and desert shrubs that mirror the unique flora of the South Okanagan. The palate is polished and suave, benefitting from 21 months in French oak barriques, with the density and structure to continue to improve in bottle over the next 3-5 years.

WINEMAKER NOTES

2020 growing season was slow to start, with slightly higher than average rainfall and mild temperatures throughout the spring. Hot and dry conditions, typical of the South Okanagan climate prevailed from late Spring until harvest and were ideal for berry and tannin development. Fortunately, most of the harvest was completed before a sudden cold snap occurred towards mid October, ending harvest quite abruptly for the region. Although 2020 had a less than average harvest volume due to small berry size this resulted in more concentrated fruit flavours.

VINEYARD NOTES

Becker Vineyard was initially developed in 1977, as part of the pioneering Becker Project, which demonstrated that vitis vinifera could thrive in British Columbia. However, the property’s potential for late ripening red varieties was first identified in 1993, and was replanted to Cabernet family varieties that year. Tucked up against the Okanagan Highland mountains, Becker Vineyard produces finessed, elegant wines from the upper terrace of the Black Sage Bench.

Wine Specs

Vintage: 2020
Acid: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.87
Residual Sugar: .08 g/L
Alcohol: 14.55%
Harvest Date: October 15th - October 19th, 2020
Bottling Date: September 21st, 2022
Maturation: 21 months in French oak, 22% new
Aging Potential: 8-10 years
Varieties: Merlot 100%