The 2022 Harvest
“The 2022 vintage started very slow, with cool temperatures. Summer delivered our usual glorious Okanagan weather without the extreme heat we had the previous year. The latter half of the season presented great weather for the fruit’s slow and gradual flavour and phenolic development, keeping sugar levels in control. The fall weather produced above-average temperatures right through to the end of October, ideal conditions for retaining natural acidity and slow, gradual accumulation of flavours to optimal ripeness.
The overall 2022 growing season has provided us with outstanding fruit, as seen in the 2022 Anarchy Merlot.” Mayhem Winemaker – Ajay Chavan
The Vineyard
As in previous vintages, the Merlot is harvested from a single vineyard on Anarchist Mountain, located 1,700 feet above the valley floor overlooking the town of Osoyoos. Home to Mayhem Wine owners Terry and Andrew for 12 years. The vineyard is nestled on the side of a mountain and surrounded by sagebrush and desert scrub.
The Mauz family planted the Merlot in 1994. 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. The Merlot is typically the last fruit picked for Mayhem. This fruit came in on October 21st.
Winemaking
Gently destemmed into stainless steel tanks along with 4% Cabernet Franc, the wine received a 5-day cold soak before being fermented for 31 days, with temperatures peaking at 34C. Only the best free-run juice was transferred to the barrel, where the wine aged for 10 months before adding 1% of Cabernet Franc. It was then returned to the barrel for a further 8 months of barrel aging.
The Anarchy Merlot final blend is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in 38% new French oak. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered in the Spring of 2024.
Tasting Notes
Alcohol 14.60% / pH 3.58 / TA 6.54 / RS 0.58
This is a bold but smooth Merlot. The colour is dark and inky. Vibrant aromas of black fruit with floral notes and sage. Flavours of black cherry, dark plum, cassis and dark chocolate with a hint of tobacco. A rich, full-bodied Merlot with well-balanced acidity, velvet smooth tannins and a lovely long finish. The wine will age well, so drink or store it in the cellar. 93 points.
For Mayhem Wines’ complete portfolio, please visit the winery website. For notes on the previous Anarchy Merlot vintage, see Mayhem’s Anarchy Collection.