Review: Mike Weir Estate Winery 2006 Cabernet Merlot
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

Mike Weir’s wines are enjoying a growing legion of fans, and deservedly so. U.S. critics gave a thumbs up to Weir’s 2005 Icewine Vidal. His 2005 Chardonnay was one of the best we here at London Ontario Golf have tasted. Fine dining establishments, both online and local wine stores, local golf courses and now Vintages Essentials across Ontario offer Weir’s wines. One hundred per cent of the net proceeds from wine sales go to the 2004-established Mike Weir Foundation, a charitable organization supporting children in need.

Our latest sampling from the Mike Weir Estate Winery, the 2006 Cabernet Merlot, proved to be an outstanding addition to Weir’s winery. Priced at $18.95, this is a fabulous Niagara Red from a region bursting with impressive red wines. It’s a medium-bodied red boasting a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The result: a Bordeaux-like wine bursting with a cornucopia of palate delights, yet versatile enough to accompany any meal or please the palate on its own.

Weir’s 2006 Cabernet Merlot includes fruit sourced from several Niagara-on-the-Lake sites and the Beamsville Bench, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot fruit from the Mike Weir Estate vineyard. Small-batch fermentation with hand punchdown on the cap was followed by 12 months of aging in barrique (35% American/65% French, 70% new oak). It was bottled in August 2007, and can be enjoyed now, but will continue to develop for two to five years.

Our sampling of this wine occurred before and during a prime rib meal complete with roasted vegetables, and this Cabernet Merlot did not disappoint. The nose has concentrated berry flavours, mocha/coffee bean, and vanilla oak notes. Great structure for aging with supple tannin, and flavours of blackberry with a toasty oak finish make this a great addition to Weir’s collection of wines. We say, two thumbs up for Mike Weir Estate Winery 2006 Cabernet Merlot. 

For more information about Mike Weir Estates Winery, visit www.weirwines.com.