~86PTS CONNOISSEUR'S GUIDE 2007 31% Merlot; 31% Cabernet Sauvignon; 17% Petit Verdot; 12% Malbec; 9% Cabernet Franc. The briary complexities and slightly sturdier spine of Meritage are very much in evidence here, and, despite Merlot in its mix, this wine is not about plumpness so much as structure and slightly grippy Cabernet toughness. It can use a few years of softening.