Burning Kiln Winery Merlot 2013

Brian Gray Hamilton rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

Deep ruby in colour this Merlot from Lake Erie North Shore's, Burning Kiln Winery shows a nose of ripe cherry, tobacco and earthy notes. The palette has substantial tannins and density of fruit but finish is bit short with fruit trailing off and tannins taking centre stage. Partner with rare steak.

Carla rated this wine as 94/100 with the following review:

It is rare that a wine hits all the right notes on your palate in the most delightful way without becoming heady, and the M-1 Merlot does it wonderfully. Burning Kiln's kiln-drying technique draws out the sweetness of the merlot grape and maintains the full range of tones from the time it touches your tongue through to the finish.

The label reads

"The History: M-1 or TM-1 was the highest grade of tobacco at auction and referred to the maturity and colour of the 'tips,' the best leaves of the top of the plant. Our story is deeply rooted in the cultural significance of tobacco and grapes and the agriculture of Norfolk County. Our wine-making team, led by Andrej Lipinski, honours that heritage by using grapes dried in tobacco kilns to create our award-winning "appressimento" style wines."

"The Wine: This deep, dark, plum-coloured wine has juicy flavours of raspberries, blueberries & plums with a hint of dark chocolate..."

I am lucky. Burning Kiln is one of my husband's clients, so I am one of the first to get to taste their M-1. It was spectacular with our home-made charcuterie platter of dried sausages, Quebec cheeses, green & black olives, fresh salsa and some interesting flavoured dark chocolates.

I anticipate many more raving reviews and awards for Burning Kiln with the M-1.