The 2012 Château des Charmes ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet/Merlot, made with both Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon as well as Merlot and aged in French Oak for 9 months; has expressive aromas of toasted oak, smoke, prune, plum and light vanilla in the glass and toasted oak, vanilla and dates-red-currant-black-cherry trio in the mouth. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity wine; with crisp acidity, dusty tannins and a long finish. It is made well to be compatible with food or simply enjoyed on its own; though it would benefit from further cellaring for a year or two (evolution potential +1), it is ready to drink now and will be to 2018/20 (cork enclosure). My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89 (+1 EP) pts – recommended for both, quality and value. Tasted in Nov/14.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections

or here @

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy

While still very much a cool climate red, the (relatively) Old Vines Cab Merlot exhibits none of the greenness that mare many Niagara reds. Certainly the warm dry vintage helped as I am sure the many years of experience and wisdom at CdC. More in the Euro savoury style, this does a great job of mimicking a good right bank Bordeaux, but at substantially less $$. Good fruit, hints of herbs, fine tannin, and pleasant tartness on the finish. Seems to be in a fine drinking pace now and should hold for a few more years. Impressive. Tasted April 2017.