Winemaking
Blend: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc
Hand Sorted
Cooperage: 14 months in 60% 3rd use French oak & 40% neutral French oak barrels.
Hand Harvested: 10/14-30/2019
Brix: 22.0 -23.0°
Total Acidity: 6.6 g/L
pH: 3.56
Unfined & Unfiltered
Alcohol: 13.8%
Bottling Date: 1/26/2021
Cases Produced: 665
Vineyard Sites
100% East Side of Seneca Lake
Tasting Notes & Food Pairing
This goblet full of deep dark rubies comes with a nose-full of deep dark fruit, ala poached plums, brambleberry jam and black currants. Like a good medium-bodied Meritage should be, the nose and palate of beautiful rich fruit in our 2019 is braced by sinewy tannins with an almost-earthy, very umami, butter, and beef broth finish.
Serve this versatile, robust wine with brisket, venison, fillet mignon, or roast lamb with garlic and rosemary. Also try steak pies, ox cheek and other stews cooked in red wine. Hard or sharp cheeses are also always a safe bet.
Drink Window: Now - 2026 – 2029+
Serving Temp.: 55-60°f
Vintage Notes
Winter of 2018-19 was pretty mild, resulting in little to no bud damage and setting us up for a good year of growing to come. 2019 started with a pretty “by the books” finger lakes spring, with an on-time start to the growing season; no late frosts to hassle us and a reasonable amount of rainfall. The growing season was warm but not hot, with moderate rain which tapering off by the fall to a nice mild harvest season. The weather cooperated well and allowed the vines to achieve full ripeness and flavor development. Overall, a solid growing season finished with a nice easy, harvest.
