Meritage is a stupid marketing word that is used denote a Bordeaux-style blend from California (merit + heritage = meritage, see what I mean?--stupid). But the wine can be fabulous, and Lot 119 is fabulous. It's a traditional blend of Cab, Merlot, and Malbec. Now, even though the blend is traditionally French the flavors are very much New World. It's more fruit forward than a real Bordeaux would be with an upfront smoky raspberry dominating that trails into a great lingering mineral/chocolate/tobacco finish. This is a $50 Meritage for 18 bucks.
One word of caution, unless you are used to $50 Meritage's from California the flavors might be to severe for your palate at first but this is great way to begin to learn about a style of wine that many in the US have never experienced. Remember, wine is an acquired taste, good wine doubly so.*
*It didn't take me too long to quote myself, now did it?
Good blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks, this is the first time I've ever tried this kind of thing I haven't even told my friends yet.
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