Merlot
Merlot can range from easy-drinking, friendly wines with simple red fruit flavours, plush textures, and low tannins to complex wines tasting of cherry, berry and cocoa, even intriguing flavours of walnut and curry in some fine examples. And let’s say good riddance to the Sideways effect while we are here. Merlot has regained its rightful place on the table and in the cellar due to the range of styles and the grape’s overall deliciousness. At this year’s Alberta Beverage Awards, merlots from the new world ruled, with two Napa and Okanagan merlots on top. A classic Chilean selection rounded out the Top Five. Mary Bailey BEST IN CLASS
JUDGES SELECTION
Markham Vineyards 2014 Merlot Napa Valley, United States $27-28 CSPC 512244
Burrowing Owl 2013 Merlot Okanagan Valley, British Columbia$34-36 CSPC 509885 Carmen 2014 Gran Reserva Merlot Maipo, Chile $16-18 CSPC 415620 Monster Vineyards 2015 Merlot Okanagan Valley, British Columbia $18-20 CSPC 873422 Emmolo 2014 Merlot Napa Valley, United States $82 CSPC 493759