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!
95 Points
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
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
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.
94 Point Vintage
Deep garnet core with an elegant ruby-brick rim—a striking sign of its library maturity. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and macerated blackberry, seamlessly transitioning into sophisticated layers of cedar, graphite, crushed violet, and cured tobacco. A savory accent of bay laurel, cocoa nib, and warm earth adds impressive intrigue. The palate delivers dense dark fruit framed by velvety, melted tannins and vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh. Finishes long and seamlessly, lingering with espresso, black plum, aged leather, and a fine crushed-stone minerality.
Exceptional
In the glass this wine open with aromas of ripe black cherry, bark, cedar, dried orange peel, a touch of black pepper. The palate equally rich with flavors expanding into notes of fresh picked cherry, chocolate, and crushed stone and a touch of white pepper. Together, these lavish flavors, coupled with an elegant mouthfeel and a long engaging finish make a fantastic wine.
96 Points
Aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry liqueur, and purple flowers drive the nose of this energetic Syrah which is co-fermented with a whisper of Viognier. Gracing the palate are dark berries, plum, blackberries, peppercorns, hints of sweet tobacco, and well-positioned oak spice with plush acid and rich tannin peaking through the finish.
