Lot 82
2018 Walla Walla Meritage

Inky garnet in the glass, this tank sample smells of cigar box, black cherry, and cassis. In the mouth, rich black cherry fruit is clasped in a muscular fist of tannins. Excellent acidity keeps it quite fresh and bright. Powerful and broad-shouldered. But not overly rich. An excellent wine that will turn a lot of heads. 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 23% Petit Verdot. 45% new oak. $95-per-bottle normally. Score: between 9 and 9.5.

Check-in tasting 7.6.2021 - Powerful and brooding aromatics at first but everything opens up nicely with a couple hours of air to reveal a wonderfully complex wine that will age beautifully. 93-points, Gold Medal at the Critics Challenge.