Kacaba Vineyards only ships products within Canada.
Reserve Meritage, 2020
Shipped and sold by Kacaba Vineyards
'Meritage', is a combination of the words 'merit' and 'heritage'. 'Merit' was chosen to reflect the quality of the grapes while 'Heritage' was chosen to recognize the centuries-old blending process that was involved in making the wine. This wine is a celebration blend of our best barrels of estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Cabernet Franc (35%) and Merlot (25%) from an outstanding vintage.
Indulge your senses in complex and bold aromas of blackberries, plums, dark cherries, and cassis, with hints of spice and smoke. Captivating on its own yet still a perfect companion to a multitude of dishes ranging from vegetarian to protein options.
** GOLD MEDAL - All Canadian Wine Championships 2023 **
** SILVER MEDAL - WineAlign National Wine Awards 2023**
** BRONZE MEDAL (88 points) - Decanter World Wine Awards 2023 **
Critic's Rating
Decanter World Wine Awards 2023, Bronze Medal
2023 All Canadian Wine Championships, Gold
National Wine Awards of Canada 2023, Silver Medal
Connoisseur Note(s):
This blend has changed over time (the last Reserve Meritage was in 2015); here, it is cabernet franc 35%, cabernet sauvignon 40% and merlot 25%. Everything was vinified separately in older French and US oak for 20 months, and the final blend was determined (from only second-fill barrels), put into stainless, and then bottled. This is a value wine driven by black fruit (black currants, blackberries, plums, dark cherries), still tannic and with nuances of smoke and spices. I usually do a double-decant, taste, and then put it in a bottle with a cork for a week or so, with daily tastings. If you don't do this, then you will miss the evolution of the wine. The wine will be ready 2025-2028. 14.8% ABV. 3.1 g/L residual sugar. Umami food pairings will be best, with strong cured meats, older cheeses, even vegan mushroom risottos. 294 cases made. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
****+ - Aromas of candied cherry, blueberry, and loads of baking spice climb out of the glass. The flavours are dense cherry, strawberry, blueberry with hints of smoke and spice. I would say this is more approachable, and maybe a hair less cellar worthy than the (2020) Cabernet Franc. If anything, that's a reason to grab a couple of bottles of this to enjoy while you're waiting for the Cabernet Franc to be ready to rock. Drink 2023-2033. — André Proulx, andrewinereview.com
