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!
94 Points
Decadent, rich, and supple. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, crushed stone, dried herbs, and cedar lead into layered notes of cassis, fennel, baked plums, mocha powder, and cigars dusted with roasted Herbs de Provence, earth and red volcanic mineral notes. Full-bodied and rich, with a firm spine of racy acidity and ultra-fine, gravelly tannins that carry the lasting, mouthwatering finish.
93 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cedar unfold alongside soft notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, structured tannins frame layers of black cherry, baking spice, and a subtle herbal lift from the Merlot blended beneath the Cabernet's backbone. Medium-bodied gem with good concentration finishing long and warm, with lingering impressions of cocoa and dried fig.
94 Points
A full-throttle, blackberry-driven red, laden with chalky minerality and layered with robust tannins. Violet scents mingle with fig and plum fruit in a medium- to full-bodied expression that hits all the right chords, delivering a pleasing one-two punch to the senses.
