Checkmate 2021 Silent Bishop Merlot 750ml

The fruit is from vineyard benches on the west side of the Okanagan valley (Oliver Benches, Golden Mile Bench, Osoyoos West Bench). Fermented with wild yeast, the wine was aged 20 months in new French oak. Aromas of raspberry and red currant jump from the glass leading to flavours of dark cherry and black currant mingled with chocolate. Long ripe tannins give the wine a persistent finish.

Score: 96 points -- John Schreiner, johnschreiner.blogspot.com, 2024