Silent Bishop Merlot 2014, Oliver, BC - Checkmate Artisanal Winery
Tasted July 10th 2021
Note: This is a Southern Okanagan Terroir Expression of Merlot. Possibly the most restrained of the Merlot offerings (Hence the name Silent?) A quiet, yet solid and sophisticated one.
First Impression: It’s a quiet and restrained intellectual, need time to understand its sophisticated self.
Flavours: Red and black cherries, hints of floral and herbal, tobacco notes. Smoke, leather and spice notes are more dominant.
Structure: Soft acidity with high, thick tannins, medium plus body and a medium plus finish.
Producer: Checkmate Artisanal Winery, Oliver, BC, Canada
Location: Western Benches (Oliver North, Golden Mile Bench, and Osoyoos West Bench)
Elevation: 1027 ft - 1306 ft / 313 m - 398 m
Harvest: Hand-picked, sorted, and destemmed
Fermentation: 100% Wild ferment with extended skin contact
Aging: 100% New French Oak for 21 months
Technicals: 14.7% ABV / TA 6.2 / pH 3.67
Production: 24 Barrels
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