2014 Meritage

As the wine leaves the bottle, and enters the glass, the deep and dark red color suggests a serious wine of substance.

Initially the aromatic components are comprised of cassis, plum, black cherry, and sweet oak.  After a few minutes in the glass, scents of caramelized sugar and graham crackers emerge which add welcome dimension.  After several minutes a meaty element appears as well as blueberry pie and a whiff of sweet violets.  

At first sip, the texture revealed is creamy, smooth, and all the various components are well integrated.  Tannins are present, as they should be in a high-quality Meritage, but they are very fine tannins which contribute to the wine’s desirable viscosity and lengthy finish.  Flavors of cassis mirror the aromatic component, and oak barrel essences are well balanced and integrated.  There is a hint of rusticity in this youthful wine, but it promises elegance and refinement to compliment its power, which is similar to characters found in a Grand Cru wine.  There is much to look forward to for those who are willing to hold and age a few bottles.

This is a wine which will compliment many foods, but ultimately, is a no-brainer for all the meat lover’s out there.