Road 13 Jackpot 5th Element 2019
It was a bit of a gamble opening this 2019 Fifth Element from Road 13. I was hedging my bets that it wasn't too early, yet I knew full well that it would likely benefit with another decade (give or take) of rest. Fortunately, my risk paid off (with some decanting). This Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend (with a touch of Syrah) was a robust delight. Gamey notes provide the structure, with a mouth-filling palate of black jammy fruit accentuated by cedar and earth. Hints of black tea and dried brush peak from behind the curtain with soft, supple tannins and firm acidity, leading to a concentrated finish. Feel free to follow my lead and enjoy now - or look forward to an evolving rendition after a few years of cellaring. Tasted March 2022.
Process: 18 months in French and American oak barrels (35% new oak barrels) before final blending and bottling.
Visit producer website
Style: Still Wine
Producer: Road 13
Country: Canada
Region: British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
Classification: VQA
Vintage: 2019
Colour: Red
Primary Grape: Merlot
Secondary Grape: Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Organic: N/A
Biodynamic: N/A
Sustainable: N/A
Vegan: N/A
Regeneratively Farmed: N/A
