Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely varietal plum. The fruit on this one is lovely. On the medium length finish the plum lives on. I would give it an 88+. Sadly not in the LCBO but $32.95 a bottle.
From the winery’s web site:
Markham Vineyards Merlot 2013 – 750ml
91 Points from Wine Spectator & Double Gold Medal Winner 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!
According to Wine Spectator’s Tim Fish, “This is what Merlot is all about in California.” While we pride ourselves on creating Merlot with a sensual, decidedly feminine side, our 2013 is more than built to age. Rich in boysenberry fruit and resplendent with briary tones throughout, this vintage will please those looking for something in which to sink their teeth. Ripe, boysenberry flavors are lush and layered seamlessly with vanilla, cola and cocoa powder. 750ml.
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
While we pride ourselves on creating Merlot with a sensual, decidedly feminine side, our 2013 is more than built to age. Rich in boysenberry fruit and resplendent with briary tones throughout, this vintage will please those looking for something in which to sink their teeth. Ripe, boysenberry flavors are lush and layered seamlessly with vanilla, cola and cocoa powder. The juicy texture compliments the chewy tannin finish in this young wine. We’re finding once we pour a glass, we’re not sharing so we have more for ourselves. Hopefully a civilized soul would consider sharing with friends and a
great meal, even if it’s something beautifully simple like burgers.
VINEYARD NOTES
A true Napa Valley blend of vineyards! Our Estate vineyards provide the backbone for the blend, totaling 50% of this bottling. Merlot from Oak Knoll gives sour cherry character while the Yountville components provide the classic Bing cherry aromas and flavors for which our Merlot is known. The
jammy notes come from blending in warmer up-valley fruit from Calistoga vineyards. Much care is taken to maximize the filtered light and allow the Merlot to hang freely within the canopy during harvest. This allows the fruit to mature and color evenly, leaving any vegetal hints behind. The wines are
sent to barrels as individual lots to mature, allowing for greater understanding of the direct impact of our viticultural and fermentation practices each vintage.
HARVEST NOTES
The 2013 growing season was perfect! Below average rainfall, early spring bud break, even fruit set and a hot summer. All of us in Napa Valley fast-tracked our summer bottlings to make room for an early harvest. However the month of August cooled enough to allow multiple vineyard visits confirming
that our white varietals had above average yields. This in turn was slowing down their arrival to the winery, meanwhile the small berry size on our red grapes had them rushing ahead of
schedule. We started crushing Merlot practically from day one. Fast & furious was the ultimate pace of the vintage from beginning to end!
FERMENTATION & AGING
11 Days Skin Contact
100% Stainless Steel Fermentation
12 Months Barrel Aged 27% New Oak
VARIETAL COMPOSITION
83% Merlot
13% Cabernet Sauvignon
2% Syrah
1% Petite Sirah
1% Cabernet Franc
