I am blessed with a family of great cooks. Most occasions include a big family dinner. Seeing I was not one of the cooks for this time I offered to bring the wine.
This is the second wine that was served at our family dinner for the Family Day long weekend in February. All six adults had an opportunity to weigh in on which of the two wines was their favourite. It was a tough choice for some and the opinions were all pretty close. I think it mainly came down to personal preference between the Vasanti Merlot, and the next to be reviewed, Vasanti Cabernet Sauvignon.
Both wines were well received and pronounced outstanding by all. That being said it is only expected that everyone’s palate is different and everyone’s taste is different. Wouldn’t it be boring otherwise? So again, same dinner, serving Potato and Leek Bisque, followed by Beef Bourguignon. Both rich and delicious dishes. The bisque was perhaps a bit challenging for the Merlot but the Beef dish was right on!
Thanks to the cooks in the family that did such an incredible job. Also thanks to the red wine lovers that favoured the Merlot. The palate likes what the palate likes.
Vasanti Merlot 2021
Our Paradise Block Merlot comes from grapes grown on the land where our father’s dreams took root. Caressed by the morning sun, embraced by cool nights, and influenced by the heat from the hillside rockface, these Merlot grapes produce a wine that everyone can enjoy!
Okanagan Valley
Tasting notes:
Nose: Medium Intensity; Blackberry, Red Plum, Ripe Cherry, Tobacco
Palate: Mixed Berry Compote, Mocha, Dark Cherry, Red Plum, Cedar, Subtle Cranberry
Body: Medium
Colour: Deep Ruby
Acidity: Medium To High
Sweetness: Dry
Tannins: Integrated
Finish: Long
Serving Recommendations:
Serving Temperature: 16-18C / 60-64F
Decanting Time: 30 minutes
Serving Glass: Oversized and/or Bordeaux
Cellar Recommendation: 0 to 5 years
Winemaker’s Notes:
Vineyard Notes
- All of these grapes are grown at the Paradise block of Monarch Vineyards, located in Northern Oliver, B.C.
- This vineyard integrates silt from the nearby Okanagan River and its conjoining floodplains.
- Pockets of this vineyard show gravel, rock, and sand which allow for great drainage and offer a warming effect.
- There is balanced sunlight throughout the day without the morning and afternoon extremes.
- The large rockface on the hillside offers a warming effect to the vines.
- Cool nighttime temperatures allow the vines to reduce stress levels during extreme heat.
Production Notes
- All of these grapes were harvested at 24 brix
- Fermented in stainless steel tanks with 3 pump-overs per day
- Aged for 19 months
- 25% new American Oak barrels
- 75% Neutral Oak barrels (a combination of French & American)
Even though I picked the Cabernet Sauvignon as my first choice to pair with the Beef Bourguignon doesn’t suggest that I didn’t love the Merlot, because I did.
The Merlot was earthier and bolder, in the best way. Perfect for those looking for a wine that comes across as more rustic and robust. For wine lovers not looking for the delicate sophistication I found in the Cab Sauv.
This wine is leaner, exhibiting ripe notes of blackberries, stewed plums, leather and tobacco mixed with pepper and cinnamon. A tantalizing mixture that was distinctive.
On the palate it continued to impress with fruit forward, dense flavour with tannins that were less refined. Again a wine with boldness and integrity. No sipper this wine, it is meant to be enjoyed with gusto.
The wine can be unpredictable which makes it challenging yet smoothly rich and hearty. The perfect foil for rustic fare, more beef stew than Beef Bourguignon, it appeals to the wine drinker that appreciates a savoury, spicey finish.
This wine is ready now and will continue to impress for a few years yet.
$34.49 available online or at the winery
FREE Shipping On All Cases.
To celebrate the launch of our family’s winery, we are offering FREE shipping on all cases of wine.
Hurry, offer ends March 15th!
Join Our Wine Clubs – The Zephyr & Aurora Clubs Await You
At Vasanti Estate Winery, we’re excited to offer two distinct wine club memberships –
each tailored to provide you with a unique wine experience.
The Zephyr Wine Club
Customizable Selections: Choose from 6+ wines every 6 or 12 months, tailored to your taste.
First Access & 10% Discount: Get priority access to new releases and events, plus a 10% discount on future purchases.
Free Shipping on Cases: Benefit from free shipping on full case orders (12+ bottles) and a $20 flat rate for other orders Canada-wide.
Flexible Membership: Freedom to cancel or skip shipments anytime, ensuring convenience and satisfaction.
Annual Complimentary Tasting: Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting each year at our winery.
The Aurora Wine Club
Enhanced Selection: Receive 6+ handpicked bottles, including exclusive limited releases and reserves, with flexible frequency options (1-4 months).
Exclusive Access & 15% Discount: Enjoy first access to limited and library wines, and a generous 15% discount on all future purchases.
Comprehensive Free Shipping: Free shipping on all orders Canada-wide (minimum 6 bottles) with a discounted flat-rate on smaller orders.
No Long-Term Commitments: Ultimate flexibility with the option to skip shipments or cancel orders whenever desired.
Exclusive Experiences: Invitations to a private tasting room, priority event booking, and an annual private vineyard tour, plus a complimentary tasting for you and a guest.
Whether you’re a casual enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, our clubs offer the perfect way to explore, savour, and celebrate the world of fine wine. Discover new flavours, enjoy member-exclusive benefits, and become part of a community that shares your passion for wine.
Cheers to new beginnings and memorable wine experiences!
Vasanti Estate Winery
Family Owned & Operated.
Nestled in the heart of Oliver, BC, Vasanti Estate Winery is a family-owned gem in the Okanagan. Our dedication to handcrafting wines is evident in every bottle, reflecting our family’s commitment to the rich traditions of BC wine
Quality Focused.
At Vasanti Estate Winery, quality is our signature. From the sun-kissed vineyards of Oliver and Osoyoos, BC, to the bottle, we focus on quality grape and wine production. Each wine is a testament to our dedication to setting the bar for premium BC wines.
The Sidhu Family – Deep Roots
Deep-Rooted Tradition.
With over 40 years of farming experience in the Okanagan, the Sidhu family has deep roots in Oliver, BC. Our wines are a celebration of our deep-rooted heritage and our commitment to producing premium quality Okanagan wines.
Read more of the MyVanCity.ca reviews of the Vasanti wines here.
Tasting notes, wine profiles, wine club info and about Vasanti courtesy of the winery. My notes (in bold italics). Images: MyVanCity. I received complimentary wines to facilitate this feature.
