Pollak Vineyards, Monticello (Virginia) 2012

 This excellent Meritage blend shows lots of appealing flavor with moderate weight and structure, making it a very versatile player at the table or for stand-alone sipping.  Comprised of 42% Cabernet Franc, 42% Merlot and 16% Petite Verdot, it shows fine depth of color, appealing aromatics with fresh fruit but also a pleasantly leafy backnote from the Cab Franc, and dark fruit flavors that show impressive intensity without any undue harshness.  It still shows some sweet-seeming primary fruit, but savory note are equally prominent, making for a wine of enduring interest sip after sip.  Platinum award winner at the San Diego International Wine Competition.