Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 Meritage is a blend of 50% Merlot, 23% Petit Verdot, 21% Cab Franc and 6% Malbec, aged for 18 months in 53% new French oak. It comes in at 13.2%. In some ways a replay of the 2012, just a bit younger, this has old-school finesse, subtle concentration and fine fruit to go with ripe tannins. Gorgeously balanced, very Bordeaux-like, this is an understated red that is, in the long run, simply beautiful. It won't be the big, fat attention-getter, but it will be the one you want to drink with dinner. It's wonderfully fresh and lively, with a lifted finish. It lacks the density of the 2015, but that juicy finish is hard to resist. They are stylistically different, but both excel in their own way. Tannins are very definitely still present, but they are not overly hard. You cancertainly dive in, although this will be better in a year or two.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Diversity of landscape, terrain and climate make Virginia one of the most exciting American wine producing states today. Its viticultural history reaches as far back as 1607 when early settlers made the first wine from indigenous American grapes.
Thomas Jefferson imported the first French varieties to Virginia and grew the Vitis vinifera species (the European species), though not with great success.
Today, however, increased knowledge and optimal vineyard management techniques bring prosperity with a great number of diverse varieties. Virginia’s varied landscape has created seven distinct AVAs (American Viticultural Areas).
Encouraged by an enthusiastic state government, fine wine production in Virginia continues to flourish. The state achieves success with a variety of wine types and styles including sparkling wines, Bordeaux Blends, Nebbiolo, Chardonnay, Viognier and less common whites like Petit Manseng and Vermentino.