Meritage Tasting
The results (and some pictures) from our blind, horizontal tasting of various Meritage blends from around the world.
Michael pouring "Wine B" for the first flight. There was some finesse involved in keeping the wine identities secret!
Flight #1: 2007
1st place- Veritas Vineyards VR 2007 - Monticello $35.00 60% cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 10% Petit verdot
2nd place- Michael Shaps Monticello 2007 – Virginia $50.0 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 20% Petit Verdot
3rd place- Chateau D’Agassac Bordeaux Superior 2007 – France $40.00 50%Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc
4th place- Rustenberg John X Merriman 2007 Stellenbosch – South Africa $35.00 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 4%Cabernet Franc, 3%Malbec
Flight #2: 2008
1st place- Barrenridge Vineyards 2008 – Virginia $32.00 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc 20% Petit Verdot
2nd place- Robert Sinsky POV Red 2008 – Napa $ 48.00 Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
3rd place- Michael Shaps 2008 - Monticello $40.00 44% Petit Verdot, 33% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc
4th place- Chateau D’Armailac Pauillac 2008 – France $75.00 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Serious wine faces on, as Michael asks what everyone thought of the second flight.
Flight #3: 2009
1st place (tie) – Chappellet Vineyards Mountain Cuvee 2009 – Napa $45.00
1st place (tie)- Pollak Vineyards 2009 – Monticello $35.00 44% cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot
3rd place – Michael Shaps 2009 – Monticello $50.00 50% Petit Verdot, 33% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc
4th place- Chateau Batailley Pauilliac 2009 - France $100.00 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot,3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Flight #4: Older Vintages (Mixed)
1st place – Springfield Work of TIme 2003 – South Africa $40.00
2nd place – Jefferson Vineyards 1998 – Monticello $ (priceless)
3rd place – Chateau Quinault St Emilion Grand Cru 1998 – $160.00
4th place- Chateau Fontenil Fronsac 1999 – France $30.00
As everyone arrived-- set up right in the barrels!