We have enjoyed Mayhem Wines since the 2018 vintage. This was the first time we have tasted wines from the Anarchy collection. If you are not familiar with Mayhem Wines, here is a link with more information on the winery owners and winemakers.
Before going to the tasting notes, some information on the vineyard for the Anarchy Merlot.
Anarchist Mountain Vineyard
The vineyard is located on the east side of Okanagan Valley in Osoyoos. The site is 1,700 feet above the valley floor, experiencing cool mountain breezes in the evening after long hot days. This mountain grassland area is home to Sage Brush, Antelope Brush and the Western Rattlesnake.
The vineyard has blocks of Merlot and Cabernet Franc in production. The Merlot was planted in 1994 by the Mauz family. The Cabernet Franc vines were planted around 2014 with additional vines planted in 2021 that will come into production within a few growing seasons. The soil is a slow-draining mixture of silt and loam.
Mayhem Anarchy Merlot ($39.23)
“The 2021 vintage started off well; however, June presented extremely hot temperatures creating some challenges with many temperature fluctuations. In the vineyards, tonnages were down by about 35% on average but we were able to stay on top of our canopy management and irrigation scheduling which resulted in great quality, small berries with concentrated flavours. These optimal fruit flavours can be seen in the 2021 Anarchy Merlot.
The fruit was hand-picked on October 13th. Grown on silt and sand deposits from the glacial movements of many years ago, this block is irrigated using natural spring water from a cave in the side of the mountain.”
Mayhem Winemaker – Ajay Chavan
Aged in 53% new French oak and 47% seasoned oak for 11 months. The merlot was then blended with 2% Cabernet Franc and returned to the barrel.
Alcohol %14.4 / pH 3.54 / TA 6.71 / RS 0.15
The wine is young so aerate before serving. The colour is dark and inky. Vibrant aromas of black fruit with floral notes of violet and sage. On the palate, more black fruit with flavours of black cherry, dark plum, and cocoa. A full-bodied Merlot with a rush of acidity and grippy tannins that add depth and complexity. The wine will definitely age well and impress more with time. 92 points.
Mayhem Anarchy Fortified Gewürztraminer 2020 ($31.40)
After a challenging growing season, this Gewürztraminer was handpicked off Cellarsbend Vineyard in Naramata on October 22nd at 27.4 brix. The grapes were then gently whole bunch pressed and racked off heavy lees before it was fermented down to 24 brix, allowing for the release of the initial aromatic precursors.
The wine was then fortified with 93% grape-derived spirit to halt fermentation at the optimal sugar level. It was then transferred to neutral oak vessels, where it aged for 32 months before bottling, of which 6 months was outdoors in the Okanagan summer heat to help balance the overall profile of the wine.
Alcohol 18.0 % / pH 3.60 /TA 3.74 / RS 196
The residual sugar is a little higher than the 2018 vintage. Aromas of honey, nutty caramel and fruit marmalade. On the palate an abundance of delicious candied fruit, ginger, cinnamon and orange zest. 90 Points
This super port-like wine pairs deliciously with plum cake! Here is the link to the notes for the 2018 vintage.
For the complete portfolio of Mayhem Wines please visit the winery website.