Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Winemaker’s Reserve Franicevic Series Meritage 2012, North Coast, California

Tasting Note: A cool-vintage meritage blend that revels in red-fruit and more forest-floor elements than is typical of other Sunce meritage vintages.

Deep-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of red plum, raspberry puree, blackberry, red cherry, red currant and leather with hints of mushroom and dried blossom.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied meritage red blend has medium-plus-intensity, red-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and slightly-grippy, medium-plus tannin.

There is complexity in the midpalate that ultimately completes with medium-plus finish.

A meritage blend that channels Bordeaux more than California.

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 2012 Reserve Meritage contains three of the five Bordeaux varietals: 46% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Malbec. Each vineyard block contributed its unique character; the Merlot from Sonoma Valley’s idyllic Serres Ranch adds plummy plushness, the Cloe 357 Sol y Sombra Cabernet Sauvignon from the coveted Knight’s Valley appellation establishes a firm, yet complex structure, and the Malbec from St. Olof’s Kelseyville vineyard enlivens the finish with a medley of peppers and spice. This classic Meritage pairs well with multi-flavored, rich food that isn’t too spicy, like: lasagna, Osso Buco, casseroles, filet mignon, and stews. Aging 7-12 years after vintage. Frane Franicevic, Winemaker. Only 450 cases made.