WTN: Malivoire Red 2008

Niagara Peninsula

A blend of Merlot (45 per cent), Cabernet Sauvignon (40) and Gamay.

Cherry red in the glass.

Barnyard, earthy, a little dirty on the nose.

Light to medium weight, very tangy acidity, raspberry, cherry, cranberry, currants, spicy, smoky, a little creamy, a bit of a bitter streak, with a sort of wildness to it all.

Tangy, cherry, a little dirty and rough on the finish.

Not a bad wine, but the bitter/dirty streak hampered my enjoyment of this wine.

Screwcap closure.

Purchased at $14.95 (Canadian).

Does Malivoire usually make a blend like this or did they do it to salvage grapes from what might have been a very tough growing season for reds in Niagara? I've been quite fond of their wines over the years, but those bretty notes are a bit disturbing.

Does Malivoire usually make a blend like this or did they do it to salvage grapes from what might have been a very tough growing season for reds in Niagara? I've been quite fond of their wines over the years, but those bretty notes are a bit disturbing.

Not positive, but I think this is a new blend, so you might be right.