Double Gold** Best Value in the Industry
San Francisco International Wine Competition
In Bordeaux, nearly all of the red wine is created from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and/or Petit Verdot. While the exact percentages change depending upon the particular Chateau, the vintage, and location in Bordeaux, the name "Bordeaux" carries such weight that typically people don't get too hung up on the exact blend. In California, where wines are typically labeled by variety, it can be hard to sell a wine that is simply labeled "Red Wine" instead of having a varietal name. For this reason the term "Meritage" (pronounced to rhyme with "heritage") was created, and can be used for red wines blended from any or all of the five Bordeaux varieties. While Cabernet Sauvignon seems to get all the attention, for our money a fine Meritage often has as much to offer, and is usually more affordable. Today's Heist, the Maier Family 2007 Meritage is a great example of a wonderful red blend at a phenomenal price.
The 2007 Maier Family Sonoma County Meritage is sourced from estate vineyards high on the west side of Spring Mountain, just on the Sonoma County side a few miles from Napa, and in close proximity to some of the finest vineyards in the state. The cooler mountain site allows the grapes to ripen slowly, while afternoon sun ensures that thick-skinned varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon are able to ripen fully. Medium ruby in color, the nose offers aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry and toasty oak. The palate is soft and pleasing with black cherry, blackberry and toffee notes. This is a restrained wine with impeccable balance and precision, and nice acidity. This lighter style allows for a wine that pairs gracefully at the dinner table, and would be perfect with roasted game hen, or a similarly elegant dish. Awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition, we were thrilled to be able to secure an allocation of this sought after wine, and while this wine is a great deal at $34, it is a stunning value at $27. Don’t miss out on this one!
All Wines
95 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe dark fruits, wild berries, roasted fig, English Toffee, savory spices, and roasted walnuts. On the palate, the deep flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, black raspberry and pomegranate are layered with notes of wild sage, clove, nutmeg, and bittersweet chocolate. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
98 Points, Best of Class
Super-Tuscan style blend offering aromas of ripe berries and black fruits, interwoven with hints of vanilla, caramel, raw tobacco, leather, clove, blood orange peel, and roasted walnuts. Rich and generous flavors of briary blackberry, dark cherry, ripe plum and cassis.
95 Points, Double Gold
Deep ruby in color this wine is bountiful, juicy and structured. Blueberry, black cherry and wild blackberry, framed by notes of sweet licorice, violets, sage and bay leaf. Impeccably balanced with fine dusty tannins hint at a long life ahead in the cellar.
90 Points
Inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry intermixed with hints of cranberry and blood orange. Graceful and soft on the front palate, the flavors of mixed red berries and the lively tannins add luscious texture. Its long finish reveals spicy undertones and a superb freshness.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
95 Points
Opens with wild cherry cordial and fresh pomegranate layered with notes of baking spice and zest. Subtle touches of pink peppercorn lemon balm and sarsparilla carry through a savory palate. It's balanced, with silky layers and a juicy red core.
92 Points
Aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry, interlace with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. On the palate ripe and juicy flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry are perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of American oak.
94 Points
Dark fruit with blueberry fruit aromas and notes of mocha and cassis. The texture is silky, rich and mouth-filling with berry pie, black tea, exotic spice and notes of chocolate fudge on the palate. Fine grain tannins lengthen the finish with dark fruit flavors mingling with just a hint of mint.
Big, Bold & Juicy!
Bountiful, lavish and plush with aromas of plum, bramble berry, mocha, cedar, and red currant. Loaded with dark fruit, the mouth is full with a mix of red and dark berry, with notes of dark on the end. There is a touch of espresso, ripe black cherry, and petrichor. Nicely framed by generous French oak.
93 Points
Lovely aromas of crushed blueberry, red and blue plum, dried violet flower. It's juicy and engaging, with smoked red raspberry, wild blackberry, hoisin, sweet backing spices coursing through, and offers balance and depth with perfect levels of acidity with silky tannins leading to a long engaging finish.
Rich & Tropical...
Notes of tropical and ripe stone fruits, with aromas of fig, golden apple and hints of butterscotch, integrated with the richer aromas of light caramel, truffle and toasted vanilla from the oak aging. The palate and texture is rich, full-bodied and creamy, while maintaining a balanced vibrancy and finish.
Violet black in color with aromas of rich fruity dark berries, honeycomb, vanilla, and hints of forest floor join together with bold flavors of black cherry, and spiced nut. Balanced oak, layered palette, leaving you with a enjoyable persistent finish.
93 Points
Juicy pear and lively pineapple with touches of dried apple apricot and honeysuckle on the nose. Round and viscous on the palate, balanced by fresh lemon, layers of citrus and blanched almond.
93 Points
Rich dark black fruits, blueberries, blackberry bon bons, cassis, fragrant violets, tobacco leaf, and baking spices. Long, plush tannins alongside its dense fruit character. The palate delivers baked berry crisp, black and red fruits, toasted walnuts, brioche and cedar on the finish.
92 Points
Depth, balance and big flavors. The nose evokes black cherry pie, licorice, plums, vanilla, and notes of chocolate. On the palate, it bursts with cassis, red currants, toasted walnuts, and chocolate. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
92 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
Pure, delicious, vibrant with aromas of white peach and wild white plum on the nose, followed by ripe Persian lime, jasmine high times, tart green apple, and crisp star fruit. The mouth centers in with pomelo and ginger lime leading into a mid-palate of fresh squeezed lime over papaya and lime zest on top of light lemon curd.
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of cherries, black olives, currants and a touch of black pepper. The full-bodied palate is chock full of crunchy black fruits, framed by ripe chewy tannins.
92 Points
Aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb to delight your senses. The flavors are just as complex with hints of Madagascar vanilla followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a touch of lavender. The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long, satisfying finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
