Mr and Mrs CWG served this wine at their annual Christmas event last night. CWG shared with me that this is one of his favorite Niagara Cab/Merlot blends and that 2005 was stellar. CWG shared that he thinks this is a fabulous Bordeaux Blend from Niagara.
It’s clear after all these years in Canada he has forgotten what a Bordeaux blend ought to taste like. Just kidding … 🙂
This really is probably one of the best Niagara Cab/Merlot blends I’ve tasted to date. This wine has a deep inky color with a mild bouquet. On the palette it displays some lovely rich flavors with a medium finish. There’s a lovely bit of dryness on the finish that builds over time. The oak is nicely in control. This is a big wine, make no mistake. Serve this with a mild food and there is not a chance you will be tasting anything other than the wine. Pair it with a steak or lamb and your good to go.
What’s worth noting is what is not there. There are none of the out of control tannins that can dominate Niagara reds. None of the earthy notes that can spoil the flavor.
This wine would compare favorably with the Ducla Bordeaux for roughly the same price I last wrote about. Nice choice Mr and Mrs CWG!
CH DES CHARMES CABERNET/MERLOT VQA
LCBO 454991 | 750 mL bottle
Price: $ 14.45
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Wine, Red Wine,
13.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : 1
This is a VQA wine
Made in: Ontario, Canada
By: Chateau Des Charmes
Tasting Note
Deep garnet red colour; raspberry/cassis with bell pepper and tobacco notes; medium- to full- bodied with dark fruit flavours and medium tannins in finish.
