Checkmate 2015 Silent Bishop Merlot 750ml

The 2015 Silent Bishop Merlot was aged for 21 months in new French oak and comes in at 14.9% alcohol. This is sourced from three western benches of the southern Okanagan Valley. The oak treatment here is no different on paper than with the Black Rook, but this handles it better. There may be an occasional hint of alcohol in the background, but only a hint. Overall, this shows better, at least today, in terms of its ability to absorb the wood, although its mid-palate finesse is not as good. Overall, it seems more evolved, slightly more complex. Both of them have to prove that they can hold their balance as they age and become better. It's worth leaning up for the moment.

Score: 90 points -- Mark Squires, The Wine Advocate, 2020