Winemaker Notes
Rich red beet in color, this Meritage fills the nose with an essence of oak and wet tobacco. Chalky and aggressive tannins hit the palate and lead to a polished caramel-vanilla finish. This bright wine will only get better with age.
Pair this wine with a big gorgonzola cheese and a rare dry aged steak.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of pencil shavings, black peppercorn, oregano and elderberry frame the nose of this blend of 32% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petit Verdot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 10% Malbec. It's tightly wound on the palate, where a dried cherry flavor meets with dried herbs and cracked pepper, lifted by a dash of acidity.
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.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.