WTN: 1998 Estancia Meritage Alexander Valley

[Jean Brislance]

1998 Estancia Meritage Alexander Valley – A $14 bargain bin purchase from a few years ago, marked down from $24. Dark red in color. Nose is really quite pretty, with blackberry, stewed dark fruit, cedar, and cocoa powder. Flavors are predominantly of dark dried fruit, but there are also subtle notes of blackberry, coffee, licorice, pencil lead, and some cedar. The finish is of medium length, showing the dark fruit and a mineral quality. The tannins are relatively soft, but they have a little bit if grip left. I do think this wine is at its peak, so drink up if you have some. All in all, it had nice balance, flavors that I found interesting, and was not a bad bargain considering the sale price. A blend of 80% Cabernet, 17% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec.

All the best,

Jean