Stinson’s Meritage is their flagship wine. Meritage, by definition, is a blend of grape varieties permitted in Bordeaux, but with American styling on account of being grown in the USA. This wine is all about its subtle, well integrated flavors. The flavors are almost elusive; once you find one, another appears next in succession. Notes recalling red currants, tobacco, violets and black plum turn to chocolate leather, blackberry, and boysenberry. The blend is 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. 2017 is a great vintage for Virginia, and Stinson has clearly used what the vineyards provided to make an enjoyable and balanced wine.
Stinson Vineyards, Monticello (Virginia) 2017
By Vince Simmon