La Stella 2016 Fortissimo 375ml

Fortissimo is a few percentage points short on merlot content (76) to be considered a solo varietal merlot offering. But add some sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc and you get something special. Plums, spiced fruitcake and savoury dusty south Okanagan notes attract. The palate is a controlled riot of black and red fruits, the latter adding a juicy aspect to this classy red that wraps up with a drier, nutty, umami note in the finish. An impressive red with big food possibilities and ageing potential into 2022 and beyond. Bravo.

 Score: 92 points -- Antony Gismoni, gismondionwine.com, 2018