2015 River Stone “Milestone” Collector’s Edition

🔥 #1 Wine of the Year, 2023

This is a magical wine, in terms of texture, length, power, finesse and complexity. This is probably one of the top 10 Canadian red wines that I have ever tasted. I mean, this is very special, a complete harmony in all aspects. The refinement and the finesse are at a World Class level with pin-point flavour definition, well defined edges and incredible softness. On the nose, aromas of cassis, black cherry and dark chocolate welcome you at first followed by forest floor, pencil shavings, cedar box and a hint of dried herbs. The palate shows a perfect seven years of evolution with sweet black fruits like blackberry, black plum and dark cherry. The mid-palate offers a stunning complexity highlighting different levels of torrefaction with expresso coffee, dark chocolate, black licorice and toasted spice well integrated with vanilla and other oak elements. The finish is long, very long! With a reminiscence of a great right-bank Bordeaux (wink - wink Chateau Cheval Blanc 😊) where white pepper intermingles perfectly with graphite. The tannins are perfectly immersed, and the structure stands firm, all in a wonderful softness. Do not decant this wine - it is peaking right now.