Not a producer with which I have a lot of experience. From a 375, if I had been drinking this blind, I would have gone to Bordeaux, not California. An unusual cuvée of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cab Franc, 19% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot, and 5% Malbec, this Meritage had none of the sweetness or fatness so often associated with Bordeaux varieties from California. An intoxicating nose was followed by a beautifully balanced palate with tertiary qualities but also with suficient fruit not to be dried out. I have a couple of these left and will look forward to enjoying them in the foreseeable future.
It was a '99 (I think) that turned me on to the world of fine wine.
I used to follow this wine in the 90s. Haven’t had one for a while, thanks for the reminder.