This wine originates from the clay till and gravelly loam soils of the Niagara Escarpment and shorelines of both Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. Barrel ageing lends silkiness to the palate, while allowing the minty fruit character typical of these Niagara varietals to shine through.
ORIGINS: 52% Beamsville Bench; 20% Niagara River shoreline; 7% Vineland Bench; 6% Vineland Plain.
COMPOSITION: 48% Cabernet Franc; 33% Cabernet Sauvignon; 19% Merlot.
SOILS: Mainly clay till and gravelly clay loam over red shale; some clay till over shale and sandstone.
YIELD: 4.0 tonnes/acre (75 hl/ha).
VINIFICATION: Average maceration of 14 days followed by gentle pressing and ageing for 16 months in American and French oak.
STYLE: The Cabernet Franc puts mint-cherry fruit at the fore, alongside smooth tannins, dark berry fruits and smoky complexity.
AGEABILITY: Intended for early consumption, this wine will be at its best 2004-2007.
FOOD MATCHES: Roasts of beef, lamb, duck or venison; dry, well-aged cheeses such as cheddar or parmesan.
BOTTLING DATA: Alc./Vol.- 13.5%, R.S.- 3.5 g/L, T.A.- 5.85 g/L, pH- 3.47