Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Meritage 2015, Winemaker’s Reserve Franicevic Series, Sonoma County, California

Tasting Note: A meritage red blend with the plushest of mouthfeels along with superb red-and-black-fruit integration.

Medium-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of black plum, raspberry puree, blackberry, red cherry, crushed-dried violet petal and a hint of clove baking spice.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-bodied, meritage red blend has medium-intensity flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and well-integrated, ripe, medium tannin.

There is midpalate complexity that completes with a medium-plus finish.

Bottle Note: Sunce is a family winery located in the Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma County specializing in small artisan lots of vineyard designated varietal wine and classic blends. Frano’s 2015 reserve meritage is boasting all five Bordeaux varietals: 21% merlot, 21% cabernet sauvignon, 21% cabernet franc, 20% petite verdot, and 17% malbec. Each vineyard block contributes its unique character; the Sonoma valley merlot adds plummy plushness, the Sonoma cab establishes a firm, yet complex structure, the franc from la Prenda brings good fruit and minerality, the petit verdot from Jordan’s Alexander Valley vineyard asserts itself with good earth, and the malbec from Arrowhead’s Sonoma Valley vineyard enlivens the finish with a medley of peppers and spice. This classic meritage pairs well with rich meat dishes, like osso buco, filet mignon, and beef Bourguignon. Aging: 10-18+ years after vintage. Frane Franicevic, Winemaker. Only 13 barrels made.