Monte Creek Ranch and Winery Cabernet Merlot 2017

Jennifer Havers rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

This is a lovely blend, with aromas of blackberry and currant, with hints of evergreen, oak, and spice. Full bodied on the palate with bright acidity, soft, but grippy tannins. Fruit on the palate is ripe and plush, with a hint of baking spice on the finish. Enjoy with grilled meat or mushroom dishes.

Deborah Podurgiel rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Monte Creek Ranch & Winery 2017 Cabernet, Merlot is an ultra-smooth 69% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc red wine blend with dark plum compote, crushed black raspberry, ripe dark cherry with a lingering smoky, soft and subtle, baking-spice finish on the palate. Nothing overpowering on this dry, medium-plus-bodied, nicely balanced Bordeaux-style blend with rounded, velvety tannins. Tasted August 2020.

Grapes for the Cabernet Merlot 2017 were sourced from select vineyards in Oliver, Osoyoos and the Similkameen. The fruit was partially fermented in 7,000-litre oak vats adding more texture and mouth feel to the wine, then aged 18 months in French oak barrels (15-20% new). Give it a bit of chill and decant one hour prior to pouring it with Tuscan-style veal chops. The winery suggests a smoked duck breast with berry compote pairing.

This vintage was awarded Silver in the 2020 All Canadian Wine Championships.