Medium+ intensity aromas showing black cherry, vanillan and hints of cocoa. On the palate, it's medium-bodied with chocolate, black cherry, blackberry and vanillan flavours. Good acids and a long, dry finish. Tannins are very drying and tight, I would cellar this 2-3 years and enjoy over the next 5-7 years. Tasted Sept/2014.

The 2012 Château Des Charmes Merlot St. David's Bench Vineyard that is only made in the best of years, was aged in French Oak for 12 months and has old world aromas of earthy, yogurty blueberry, red currant and strawberry on the nose and earthy strawberry and stems on the palate. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with forward acidity, dusty/drying tannins (decant for 60 min) and a medium to long finish. At this moment, it is a food friendly wine as it is not quite ready yet – something that long decanting can help with, hence evolution potential of +1(+2?) pts; drink 2015/16 to 2020/24 (cork enclosure). My impression: NICE, 88(+1) pts – excellent example of cool climate Merlot that I would like to re-visit in 2-3 years. Tasted in Sep/14.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections

or here @

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy