Checkmate Silent Bishop Merlot 2021
Product details
| Management number | 253524980 | Release Date | 2026/10/24 | List Price | CA$38.40 | Model Number | 253524980 | ||
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Introduction
Checkmate Artisanal Winery Silent Bishop Merlot 2021 is a red wine from Canada, produced in the Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia. Checkmate Artisanal Winery was established in 2012 with a bold vision to produce world class Chardonnay and Merlot in the Okanagan Valley, setting a new standard for excellence. The winery's philosophy centres on minimal intervention, allowing nature to take its course and enabling the grapes, which are sourced from unique, single vineyard blocks, to fully express their unique terroir. The Silent Bishop Merlot is sourced from the cooler western benches of the South Okanagan, facing the delicate morning sun, which results in a wine of freshness, dark fruit, and structure.
Wine Description
The wine is 100% Merlot. It has a dark red colour. The nose offers intense red and black fruits, floral notes, coffee, tobacco, and spice. The freshness of the Western side is reflected in its red currants and raspberries scents.
The palate has well balanced acidity, fruit, and oak, producing a wine of harmony and length. It is plush but with sticky tannins, black cherries, and blackcurrant. The tannins are firm and give structure, assuring a long life in a cold cellar. Stylistically, it is a rich flavourful wine with depth. The fruit is organic and the wine undergoes wild fermentation before ageing in French oak barrels for 20 months. The finish is smoky, resiny, and dry. The ABV is 15.27%. The wine is labelled as very dry (0–5 g/L residual sugar). It will age well. The optimal drinking window is not explicitly provided in the sources, but it is assured a long life in a cold cellar.
Accolades
Anthony Gismondi - 92/100 points
Food Pairing
Our wine experts suggest this Canadian Merlot wine would be a perfect match with beef, lamb, and veal dishes.
Vintage Quality
The 2021 vintage was a challenging climate year. Despite this, the vineyards benefit from long summer days and porous soils, with the cooler western benches allowing grapes to escape late day baking. The winemaker's approach of minimal intervention, coupled with attention to detail and hand harvesting, aims to highlight the unique terroir even in a difficult year.
Bestseller ranking
Canada & VQA Red
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