Dense red in colour, this medium bodied Cabernet Merlot exhibits a bouquet of dark, lightly peppered, ripe fruits. The wine is approachable despite its youth showing green bell pepper,  more fruit layers and spice on the palate. It is well balanced with good acidity and the finish already longs for the next sip. Decant to drink now or within the next two to three years.

This wine’s tame nature allows it to be enjoyed quite simply on its own, or give it a try with mild pepperoni pizza, mild to medium grilled Italian sausages, veal scaloppini with mushroom, garlic and red wine sauce, cabbage rolls with thick tomato sauce or ground beef lasagna.

The grapes underwent a 30 day maceration and hot fermentation period. The wine was then gently barrel aged in a combination of American and French oak barrels for eight months prior to bottling in July 2007.

Emerging from an overall mild winter, the 2006 season began with a warm and early spring allowing the vines to recuperate from previous harsh years. The summer provided evenly warm temperatures only slightly above average. Niagara experienced above normal rainfall in June and July, and the precipitation continued in September and October. The moist and humid conditions in the fall meant that regular care was necessary for the health of the vines and maturing berries. Hard rains prevented harvesters from picking the grapes but the extended season provided plenty of time to pull in a higher than expected crop. The last of the red grapes were harvested in November which resulted in some great fruit concentration.