Community Review

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin Meritage 2008

BC VQA, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Community Score: 4.6/5
Community Reviews: 22

Price: $59.95

Sweetness: Extra Dry
Alcohol: 13.5%

Drink: 2012-2020

Bottle size: 750 ml
Winery: Osoyoos Larose

Dawn Montgomery reviewed this wine as follows:

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2008 is indeed a grand vin. Born out of the serendipity partnership between Groupe Taillan of Bordeaux, France and Vincor Canada (now Constellation) it exhibits all the class and passion such a partnership brings to the vineyard.

In Bordeaux, fourteen grape varietals are allowed; in Osoyoos, winemaker Pascal Madevon uses five in the following proportions; 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot which are coaxed into a dream of a wine.

And how romantic is the fact that the rootstock and clone combinations are prepared in Bordeaux, shipped to Canada and planted by hand in high density to ensure superior fruit quality and that all pruning, leaf stripping and picking is done by hand? Magnifique! French oak barrels age the wine for a period of 18 to 20 months and racking from barrel to barrel takes place every three.

So, how does this paragon of the winemakers art taste? Spectacular! Given that the wine can be enjoyed until at least 2018, it’s almost a shame to drink it half way through it’s predicted life span – almost but not quite!

With a deep ruby moving to garnet colour, Le Grand Vin gives a raspberry and toasty aroma whilst the hot, dry climate of Osoyoos encourages the predominant Merlot to produce rich, flowery, black cherry and spice notes, good tannins and a wonderful, lasting finish. At $45.95 it ain’t cheap, but oh my goodness it’s worth it! and because it’s only available through the LCBO/Vintages, exclusive. Definitely the wine to drink as a onesome, a twosome, a foursome or if you really want to impress someone but please, don’t take it to the neighbourhood barbeque where it may be treated like any old plonk.

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2008. Buy yourself a bottle and save it for a rainy day...if you can!

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