Kirby Estate Merlot: Drawing Inspiration from Pomerol

Lidija's article on Divine Vines, titled Kirby Estate: Pomerol-Inspired Wines in Niagara, beautifully explores the surprising parallels between our Niagara Lakeshore vineyard and the famed Pomerol region. While we’re still in the early stages of crafting our legacy, the comparison is both flattering and inspiring. Lidija highlights how both regions share similar latitudes, moderated climates, and even soil compositions that lend themselves to producing wines of remarkable quality and character.

In her tasting notes, Lidija finds both similarities and distinctions between our Kirby Estate Merlots and the Pomerol wines. She describes our Merlots as balanced, full-bodied, and round, with a silky texture, plush tannins, and layered spice and cocoa notes. While the Pomerol wines she compared them to had more herbal complexity owing to the addition of 15-20% Cab Franc, our Merlots stood out with their perfumed aroma and sweeter fruit profile.  Additionally our Merlots had a rounder, more supple mouth-feel—a testament to the unique terroir and meticulous care we put into every bottle.

Lidija’s comparison is not just a nod to our current achievements but also a hint at the exciting future we’re building here at Kirby Estate. As our newly planted Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot vines come into production, we’re eager to see how these varietals will complement our Merlot, potentially bringing us even closer to the depth and complexity associated with Pomerol.

I invite you to read the full article on Lidija Biro’s website, Divine Vines, to delve deeper into her insights and reflections. Her comparison is a delightful exploration of how our Niagara vineyard is carving out its own identity while drawing inspiration from one of the world’s most revered wine regions.

Cheers to the journey ahead and the wines yet to be made!

— Scott Kirby

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