Rob's "Wine of the Week" Archives
So here is my wine review for the week of October 16th, 2005...
Sterling 2002 Reserve SVR Meritage Blend
Description: A meritage is a red wine blend. In this case, it is made of 62% Cabernet, 24% Merlot, 8% petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 3% Franc.
How to Get it: The winery sells it as well as via their on-line website. Fat's in Roseville actually serves it by the glass or bottle.
How Much: It's about $12 per glass at Fat's, the winery sells the bottle for $45.
My Thoughts: A great Meritage is my favorite bottle of red wine because if done right, it provides the greatest grapes of the season. That is why Phelps Insignia is always near the best wine of the year. This blend is very good, not great. It is along similar lines as another preferred blend of mine, the St Clement Orropos. This meritage is a deep ruby color featuring flavors of cherry, berry, chocolate and a little nutmeg. It is lacking that great vanilla finish that true excellent meritages offer, but is also lacking a harsh bite on the tongue, which is good.
Overall Score: This is a good, solid meritage for the price. This is not a blow you away, special occasion wine. I would definitely serve this wine with a roast or deep sauced dish as the winery recommends. Out of 5 vines, this wine nets 3.5 vines. For $45, it just meets the criteria to make the price fair.
Sterling Meritage = 
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