2018 Inniskillin Niagara Estate Series Cabernet-Merlot

A slow start to the growing season did not hold the 2018 vintage back. Cool temperatures in April quickly shifted to very warm day in May and the vines took off. The following months, through the summer continued to be perfectly ideal for grape growing, with plenty of hot, dry, sunny days. The above average temperatures did not change much approaching harvest season, in fact they were coupled with humidity and rain forcing an early start to picking, with the first grapes arriving at the winery Aug 30th. We experienced some Botrytis in the Viognier blocks but managed to avoid rot elsewhere. Luckily there were enough dry days in the following months that all varieties were brought in by early November at optimal quality.