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T’was the night
before...
By Andrew B. Campbell
T’was the
night before Christmas,
and all through the Wineshop,
People were searching for adult soda-pop.
The wine displays were built with care,
In hopes that customers will soon be ensnared.
“What wine goes with roast
beast?” one asks,
And sends the Wine Steward on an endless task.
“I know what will go with your feast”, I say,
“A Meritage, (pronounced like ‘Heritage’)
will save the day”.
Recommended Meritage wines for this Season:
Goose Ridge Red Table Wine 2002 (Washington) $16
An estate bottled wine from vineyards adjacent to Red Mountain; this
kitchen sink blend has Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Malbec
in it. With his pick of the vineyards, winemaker extraordinaire
Charlie Hoppes makes this dense, deep, rich wine. It has dark
complex fruit, good structure and a monstrous finish. Wow! This is
under $30 bucks?
Newton Claret 2002 (California) $24
Newton’s Claret, another name for Bordeaux blend, is comprised of
Cabernet Franc and the majority is Merlot, with touches of Cabernet
Sauvignon. It is deftly balanced, with black cherry and vanilla
spice notes. It is soft enough on the finish to drink now, but will
age well and will drink great in two years time.
Ryan Patrick Red Meritage 1999 (Washington) $26
This is a re-release of Ryan Patrick’s debut vintage, and it is
drinking great! A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet
Franc, there is nothing better than finely aged Washington state
reds. This has great cherry fruit, chocolate notes and a smooth
silky finish. This is still a youth, and can be cellared for up to
five more years. This is definitely a wine worth seeking out!
Chateau Larose-Trintaudon Haut Medoc 2000 (France) $21
The 2000 vintage was a blockbuster, and this is a value from that
vintage. The vintage has been heralded as the “best since 1961”, and
while I haven’t tasted many Bordeaux’s from that spectacular
vintage, the wines I have been able to try have been a combination
of new and old world: big, up-front fruit, but with structure and an
earthiness only Bordeaux can supply. This Haut Medoc is in the same
mold. It has black currant and plum fruit, yet a graphite earthy
note and a dry, soft and supple finish. Yum.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and wishing you a happy,
prosperous new year!
Cheers! |
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