Tasting Note So here’s a boundary-stretching $100 Canadian merlot, and it is great! Perhaps the best merlot ever made in this country. This is the third time I have been wowed by Maestoso, the La Stella flagship. Merlot typically is all about plushness, ripeness and generosity which this captures so well. But with such genteel poise! Classic, definitive merlot aromas of blackberry/plum, subtle chocolate, licorice, fine oak spice/resin and herbs. It is medium-full bodied, so even, delicate, with very fine tannin. Not a hair out of place here. The length is excellent to outstanding. 

Backgrounder Osoyoos-based La Stella is a sister property to Le Vieux Pin, sharing vineyards and team members under the guidance of managing partner and winemaker Severine Pinte. David Marchand is the red winemaker. La Stella is focused on Bordeaux varieties, with merlot in the lead. I will not often quote winery comments, but I love an apt, good turn of phrase. Says the winery of this wine: “Silk gloves come on, no expense is spared, and we pull no punches.” The 2022 Maestoso was aged 19 months in French and Slavonian Oak Barrels, with 50% new oak.