Smooth and dry, this Merlot seems designed to stand alongside food, rather than try and be a food group of its own. It has an earthy, herbaceous quality, with suggestions of cherries and red currants, and a rich scour of tannins. All that gives it a real Bordeaux quality.
— S.H.
(6/1/2008)
Smooth textured, with toasty rich oak framing a center of black currant, black cherry, blackberry, anise, vanilla and mild spice flavors. The finish is velvety and moderate in length.
— W.E.
(11/1/2003)
Shows great improvement over last year’s so-so bottling. This ’06 Meritage displays a nice balance of firm tannins, acidity and currant-licorice flavors, with well-integrated oak. Feels elegant and subdued, and will be a good companion to anything that wants a dry, full-bodied red wine.
— S.H.
(11/15/2008)
This is quite a sophisticated Chard, showing the quality of wines that cost far more. It’s rich, with toasty oak that frames flavors of pineapples, buttered toast, spicy mango and ripe white peach. Feels creamy through a long, spicy finish.
— S.H.
(7/1/2005)
Briary and brambly, this Zin has an exotic, peppery personality all its own. Fortunately, the wine is thoroughly dry and balanced, and will be good with barbecued chicken slathered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce.
— S.H.
(12/15/2005)
The 7% Viognier goes a long way. The big, bright boost of citrus and acidity dominates. The Syrah itself is soft and plummy-chocolaty, with a smear of tannins.
— S.H.
(12/15/2005)
Appeals for its creamy texture and fresh, complex flavors of apples, nectarines, pineapples and apricots, finished with dusty Asian spices. Mainly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
— S.H.
(11/15/2008)
This Pinot is a good value. It shows lots of panache in the elegantly silky mouthfeel, dryness, crisp acids and subtle flavors of cherries, spices and oak. Feels classy in the mouth, and is a good ambassador of its cool-climate appellation.
— S.H.
(7/1/2005)