Regarded as the 'Grandfather of British Columbia Wine,' the late Harry McWatters left an indelible mark on the BC wine industry. TIME Family of Wines proudly carries forward his legacy, serving as the home to labels like Chronos, the McWatters Collection, and Evolve Cellars.
Urged by his children to create a lasting family brand, Harry McWatters launched his eponymous label in 2011, featuring a red Meritage blend and Chardonnay. These wines are the heart of the McWatters Collection, sourced from premium grapes in the south Okanagan Valley.
It was McWatters who brought the name Meritage to Canada to be used for Bordeaux-style blends. This Meritage blend keeps its recipe close to the chest — 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot — each fermented and aged separately. The 2020 vintage is a fitting legacy – though we think it rightfully deserves to be called an Okanagan-style blend. Forget Bordeaux.
Tasting Note
This Meritage shows ripe, brooding dark berries along with dried thyme and sage, graphite, and integrated toasted oak spice. It's a complex, complete blend that's densely structured but without being out of balance, which will allow this to continue to improve over the next 5-7 years.
Food Pairing
Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Herb-Garlic-Pepper Coating