wine review: CheckMate Opening Gambit (Merlot) 2016

Ottawa, ON

February 2022

Matt’s review: Opening Gambit Merlot is sourced from some of the most southerly vineyards in the Okanagan Valley, along the Osoyoos East Bench, a stone’s throw from the Washington border at the very southern tip of Canada’s pocket desert. Deeply coloured, the nose shows decadent dark fruit, dark cherry, mocha, pepper, and graphite, in a fresh and inviting style. Full bodied with an unctuous, beautifully balanced, and refreshing texture that showcases its fine integrated tannins and long finish where sweet spices and blueberry tarts persist, and keep going… CheckMate’s talented winemaker, Phil McGahan, continues to deliver outstanding world-class wines each and every vintage, and 2016 is another star! Enjoy this ultra premium Okanagan Merlot over the next 10-15 years. Tasted February 2022. 95 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Available winery direct – $95