Superb Niagara Red Table Wine

[jazznut]

Picked up a couple of bottles of this dry red table wine when in Ontario over the holidays and decided to try one on for size this weekend...

Jackson-Triggs 2001 Proprietors' Grand Reserve Meritage
from the Niagara Peninsula region of Ontario, 13.1%ABV, produced from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Merlot (40%) and Cabernet Franc (20%)

The back label reads: "This wine was aged in new French and American oak barrels for 18 months to add complexity and structure. Deep ruby in colour, our Meritage has a nose dominated by aromas of ripe raspberries, plums and vanilla underscored with chocolate and spicy black pepper. The concentrated fruit flavours of berries, chocolate and coffee intricately fold with the firm leather tannins providing an elegant prolonged finish."

For once, the winery's label speaks the truth! This is an exceptionally well-balanced product that, for such a young wine, simply rolls over the palate. Well worth the $23.95CDN asking price. A worthy alternative to top-flight Australian, Californian and Chilean Cabernets.