2007 Maier Family Meritage, Sonoma County Red Wine

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!

About The Winery...

Roy’s grandson, and a member of Roy J. Maier Corporation’s Board of Director’s, Richard Maier, and his wife Patty, have taken their passion for wine and along with their two sons Ryan and Danny, purchased 60 acres in the Mayacmas Mountains. Located on the West side of Spring Mountain, the Sonoma side, they have established the vineyards that supply the grapes for the winery.  Richard spent nearly 20 years in the research and development of cane plantations for the reed company and their farming operations. The ‘Roy J Maier’ label, blends the juices from the grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, into a kaleidoscope of flavors, aromas and colors; offering a wine to thoroughly savor, from your first sample of the bouquet, to your last satisfying sip.

In addition to the vineyards and winery facility, the Maier’s have developed the main Estate Home on the property, as a luxury vacation rental, providing the guests to the Napa/Sonoma wine region, with a unique opportunity to experience the premium wine country from their spectacular, mountain vineyard property.

Learn more at www.sthelenardwinery.com.

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