Pelee Island Meritage 2003 Review
Winemaker’s Notes:
A classic blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes in the style of the classic wines of Bordeaux. Complex, concentrated wine that combines richness with elegance. Aged for 16 months in French and Hungarian barrique barrels.
A full-bodied wine with lots of character, this wine will continue the tradition of excellence which began with the “Vinedressers” of Pelee Island Winery, to shine into the next millennium.
While strolling through the vineyards taking a look at the progress of our grapes, we decided that it was high time to add another premium brand to our line of Vinedresser Series wines. Seeing as we had enough matured fruit on vines that had been planted for fifteen years or so, we hand selected the grapes and came up with a wonderful blend idea. We would try our hand at a Bordeleaux blend known widely as Meritage. This vintage has excellent aging potential that we expect will continue well beyond 2006.
One sip of this wine and you’ll see why it deserves such a prestigious name. A wine this rich and flavourful would be excellent served at room temperature with tender cut of prime rib or all on its own.
Years ago, in an international contest to name the distinct blend of “Meritage,” the name was chosen as a word that combined “merit” and “heritage” to reflect the spirit of the members of “The Meritage Association.”
GRAPES:
50% Cabernet Franc 2003,
30% Cabernet Sauvignon 2003,
20% Merlot 2003
BRIX: 21.4
ALCOHOL: 13% alc./vol.
ACID: 5.3 g/L
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2.5 g/L
Sugar Code: (0)
VQA Pelee Island
Price: 750mL bottle - $24.95
Rate and review Pelee Island Meritage 2003
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Excellent blended red wine.
If you have this wine in your posession, now is a good time to open it and drink it as it is ready to be enjoyed.
There are a lot of fruit notes along with some oak on the nose. This continues with the taste. The oak on the nose and taste doesn’t dominte the wine, it just fits right in there just like it should. Well balanced I must say.
While it is a blend of the “big reds” it doesn’t have that taste or feel. It is smooth, not a lot of tannins or acidity to complicate this wine. Very nice finish that hangs in there for a little while.
Priced at $25 keeps in in line with most other local Meritage blends.
Pair this wine with a nice BBQ’ed steak or beef dinner.
Head to Pelee Island Winery and buy this one.