Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Winemaker’s Reserve Franicevic Series Meritage 2013, Sonoma, California

Tasting Note: A Bordeaux-inspired red blend brimming with ripe, black fruit and a merlot backbone that shines.

Deep-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of blackberry, blueberry, raspberry puree, chocolate, violet and vanilla baking spice.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied red blend is filled with medium-plus-intensity, black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and well-integrated, medium-plus tannin ultimately completing with a blueberry-infused, long finish.

The wine has a rich midpalate with additional notes of cigar box and leather.

A Californian Bordeaux.

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 2013 reserve meritage is 62% merlot and 38% cabernet sauvignon. Each vineyard block contributes its unique character; the merlot from Sonoma Valley’s Serres Ranch vineyard, and the Clone 337 cabernet sauvignon from Sol y Sombra’s Knights Valley appellation – each adding to the complexity of this classic meritage, while beautifully illustrating why these grapes have been blended together for so long. Aging: 8-12 years after vintage date. Pairs well with multi-flavored, rich food that isn’t too spicy, like: Lasagna, Osso Buco, casseroles, filet mignon and stews. Frane Franicevic, Winemaker. Only 250 cases made.