One of California’s most famous red Meritage wines, Cinq Cepages never disappoints. Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren has had this blend dialed in for years. The 2012 vintage delivers exceptional purity of fruit, with payers of ripe cassis and blackberry, a hint of woodsmoke and an array of fall spices. This elegant red is predominantly cabernet sauvignon (84 percent) with a bit of merlot, cabernet franc and barely a trace of petite verdot and malbec. A sensational vintage for this accomplished winery. Platinum award-winner at the 2016 Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition.
Chateau St. Jean, Sonoma County (California) 2012
By Robert Whitley