~90 Pts VALLEY WINE TEAM 2003 One of the better wines bearing the distinction “Meritage “, this wine boasts an inky purple color along with aromas of black cassis, plums and blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of creamy vanilla and spice. The palate is full bodied with explosive character, a firm tannin structure and a polished finish. Good now thru 2010.

Rating

90 Pts GetWines One of the better wines bearing the distinction “Meritage “, this wine boasts an inky purple color along with aromas of black cassis, plums and blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of creamy vanilla and spice. The palate is full bodied with explosive character, a firm tannin structure and a polished finish. Good now thru 2010.

Wine maker notes

The 2003 harvest yielded an abundance of Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a healthy crop of Petit Verdot and Merlot, which we traditionally blend into our signature Cabernet Sauvignon to balance fruit flavors. After we settled on our Cabernet Sauvignon blend, we decided to experiment with the remaining fruit and create a Meritage — our very first. The results were magical. Then we found a neighbor who had extra Cabernet Franc grapes, grown on a mountainside vineyard in southeast Mendocino County. We added them to the blend — and voilà! C’est magnifique! The wine is bold, rich and totally opulent — a liquid passion.