Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $54.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: September 24th, 2019
Tasting Notes: Mt. Boucherie owns 200 acres of vineyards distributed amongst the sub-regions in the central and south Okanagan Valley and near Cawston of the Similkameen Valley. The Summit is a proprietary blend of 51% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 3% Syrah sourced from all of the winery's vineyards. What it may be lacking in its expression of specific terroir, it makes up in its quality and tuned construction. This is an impressive wine to open for visiting family or friends who are suspicious of the potential ripeness of the fruit in British Columbia, a relatively northerly situated wine region, especially for 'big reds'.
Bold, ripe and concentrated with both fine texture and weight to pair with lean, grilled meats, but not too much body, staying fairly fluid and graceful. 'Big', yes, but 'balanced', mostly. Look for classic New World Meritage flavours of dark fruits, pipe tobacco and spices supported by toasted oak, a touch of graphite and other mineraly notes. Ready to go now or hold for another 3-4 years. Drink 2019-2022.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca
