Creekside Estate Winery Estate Red Laura's Blend Meritage 2006

Winemaker's Notes:

THE VINTAGE The 2006 winter season consisted of milder temperatures than average resulting in healthy vines with maximum fruit production. The early growing season saw warm dry weather that sustained through to the fall, this created optimal development and berry ripening throughout the summer. September and October saw periodic rain which diluted the sugar and fruit concentration of some varieties. The overall outcome was fantastic balance of sweetness and acidity in white varieties and workable ranges in the reds. The end of the growing season closed out well with a decent Indian summer; a warm dry stretch in which later harvest varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon did better than expected. WINEMAKER’S PRODUCTION NOTES Laura Red is our flagship blend of Bordeaux varieties, selected to best reflect the character of the vintage while maintaining a consistently high level of quality. Concentrated, focused, and dynamic, this assemblage is bottled in honour of its namesake: Creekside owner Laura McCain-Jensen. The 2006 vintage Laura Red exhibits new world style while paying homage to old world winemaking sensibilities. Fruit for this cuvee was harvested from carefully selected vineyard blocks throughout the Niagara Peninsula near in October. The grapes were gently pressed and inoculated with a variety of yeasts. Fermentation was done in small vats with manual punch down of the caps over 19 days. Aged in oak barrels over a period of 18 months. The barrel composition for this blend consisted of 50% American (65% new/35% old), and 50% French oak (42% new/ 58% old). Combining 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, 27% Merlot and 6% Malbec, the result is a robustly structured, fruit-forward wine with plenty of personality. Instant gratification seekers: feel free to enjoy young, though patience is always golden, and will be rewarded in 3-5 years time.