Treve Ring Review: 2012 Maestoso “solo” Merlot

Though merlot is planted a great deal in the Okanagan, it rarely reaches great heights. This wine is one of the exceptions. Maestoso (the Beast) absorbs all of the southern Okanagan’s rich sunshine, rooted in heavy clay and gravel soils and compacts it into a dense, full bodied red. Deep blackberry, leather, black plum and cassis fills the nose. The compact palate is dominated by ripe plum, which leads wild blueberries, supple leather, bitter black cherry, finely ground spices and a hidden lift of mint along cushioned, chewy and ample tannins. An edge of tart acidity lifts all this density through a very long, bitter black cherry finish. Southern Okanagan merges with Italy via this wine. Just a baby, decant and pour now with herbed rack of lamb or wild boar, or be rewarded with 3-5 years in the cellar. Looking forward to tasting this again in future.