Combine Ontario's miracle vintage with a grape that miraculously survived certain death at the hands of a popular movie, and you've got yourself something special. This Merlot saw 18 months in a mix of American and French (new) oak barrels with 20% going into neutral barrels. Surprisingly the nose is shy, but the palate more than makes up for it: blackberry, cassis, smoke, spice and even some vanilla notes give the palate a nice warm hug as the black cherry and black raspberry lingering on the finish. A super expressive, super complex wine that shows what Merlot, done well, can be in Ontario. Price $45.00 – Rating: ****+