Cassini 2013 Cabernet Merlot 750ml
The grapes were harvested in last week of October from our vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos. The 2013 growing season was very good and the extended time of the grapes on the vine allowed for development of generous fruit flavors. The cooler temperatures during the night ensured that those flavors were beautifully preserved.
The wine has a rich dark luscious black-ruby colour. Nice strong balanced aromas of blackberry, cherry and spicy notes with underlying tones of gameness and floral hints. Nice round tannins with subtle hints tobacco and vanilla with a nice mineral finish.
Pairs well with, barbecued pork, marinated leg of lamb, roast beef, chorizo, prime rib, peppercorn steaks, chorizo, mild and strong cheeses.
The grapes were de-stemmed and lightly crushed into open top fermentation tanks. Temperature control during the fermentation, extended skin contact and hand punch down twice a day give this wine rich colour and extraction with great complexity and balance. The wine was aged for 8 months in new and 2 year old barrels, 100% French.
--Winemaker