Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2013

Though this wine is young, and best realized over the next five years, it bears the structure worthy of its reputation in Canada. Le Grand Vin is now solely owned by Group Taillan, of Chateau Gruaud Larose in Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, and certainly this vintage is showing its Bordelaise influence. Merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot and malbec spend 18-20 months in French oak (60 percent new). Decant, or open a day in advance. Lightly smoked branch, cherries, gravels and dusty, grippy tannins are matched by a bright acidity and carried by a lengthy and floral violet finish. Savoury and strict, to be sure, but with a southern Okanagan glow that is unmistakable. This welcomes pairing with meats now, but would be best suited to time in the cellar. Score – 91. (Treve Ring, gismondionwine.com, March 31, 2017)