Our wines

2005 Meritage, Temecula Valley

Growing Season

The 2005 vintage was noted for its heavy yields statewide, primarily a result of record-setting rainfall the previous fall and winter. A warm month of February prompted early bud break, which was followed by a mild spring of warm days and cool nights. A relatively cool summer lead to a long growing season, two to three weeks longer than normal in some instances, allowing for even ripening, intense fruit flavors, and excellent overall quality.

Winemaking

Our 2005 Meritage was gently crushed and transferred to small stainless steel tanks for fermentation, during which time the wine was “pumped over” twice daily and allowed to macerate on the skins for a total of 24 days for complexity and structure. The “free-run” wine was then moved by gravity to small 60 gallon French oak barrels for a period of 19 months allowing the individual lots to soften and develop complexity before final blending.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes

Our 2005 Meritage is graceful and refined, with aromas of black currant, eucalyptus and tobacco complementing lush flavors of blackberry and spice. Aged for 19 months in small French oak barrels, this blend of 69% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot offers soft, supple tannins leading into a long, velvety finish.

Suggested Food Pairings

The rich and full-bodied depth of our 2005 Meritage make this wine the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of foods, including red meat dishes, hearty cheeses, and Italian dishes with tomato sauce.