2017 Opening Gambit Merlot - CheckMate Artisanal Winery

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An intense nose of plum, black cherry, black tea and tobacco with creamy undertones. The palate is charming with a rich entry of cassis, blackberry and black cherry fruits giving way to chocolate notes, polished tannins and a long elegant finish.

Vintage: 2017
Vineyard: Osoyoos East Bench
Aromas & Texture: Rich & Polished

Ripe black cherry plum and vanilla oak aromas. Soft and fleshy palate with dusty tannins, moderate acidity, generous vanilla and spicy oak. Ripe plum and cherry on the finish.
95 Points, Alison Eisermann Ctercteko MW

It begins with aromas of cassis and blackberry. On the palate, there are concentrated flavours of black cherry mingled with herbal and spice notes. The tannins are polished, with a firmness that will support cellaring.
98 Points, John Schreiner

It seems as if each iteration of this wine improves in the mouth, and this one is simply delicious. Again the nose is fragrant and savoury, a la Bolgheri, with even more improvement in the silky textures and liveliness of the palate that is delicate yet persistent.
94 Points, Anthony Gismondi

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