Nk’Mip Cellars (pronounced in-ka-meep) is North
America’s first aboriginal owned and operated winery. This wine name, Mer’r’iym,
pronounced mur-eem, it is a word from the dialect spoken by the Osoyoos Indian
Band. This word represents marriage, in this case, the marriage of all five
Bordeaux varietals; 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 2% Cabernet
Franc and 2% Petit Verdot with maturation taking place in French and American
oak barrels for 18 months and alcohol coming in at 14.5%.
I have fond memories of tasting this inaugural
vintage of Nk’Mpi Meritage at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine
Festival in March of 2011 where I was able to purchase a bottle. I remember
thinking that this wine had a lot of potential but needed time to allow the
tannins to soften up. I easily fell for the aromatics. Now a little more than 1
1/2 year later, this wine opened up with exquisite aromas of cherry,
blackberry, plum, cassis, black pepper, smoky and cedar notes. On the
mouthfeel, full bodied, layered dark fruit and gentle wood spices flavours,
well structured by balanced acidity and slightly chewy tannins. This blends
finish is long with fine textured, excellent depth of flavours and fine tannins
lingering. This wine managed to achieve both power and elegance and was
absolutely delicious. Nk’Mpi Cellars Mer’r’iym is a great addition to their
portfolio of wines and strongly recommended, score 92 points.
Purchased at the Vancouver Playhouse International
Wine Festival on March 31, 2011 at $50.00
View of part of Nk'Mip vineyards and the Osoyoos Lake
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