Any question that 2020 was a good vintage; heck, a great vintage, should be put to bed; especially after I tasted this awe-inspiring bottle of Merlot from De Simone - who has made some incredible wines in his short tenure on the Niagara wine scene. With 2 years in barrel, a mix of French and American oak, of which two-thirds was new. Aromas include notes of licorice, clove, vanilla and smoked cherry; and flavours that load on the blue and black fruit backed by vanilla and spices. It has a long finish with a robust richness that's elegant, smokey and spicy all at the same time... Great mouthfeel and acidity that's totally on point. Beauty. I thought his 2019 was good, but this 2020 is next level. Price: $70.00 – Rating: **** ½+