description: A 62% Cab/38% Merlot blend with a dark side. Winemaker  Charlie Hoppes goes after the licorice/smoke/tar/toast elements, but matches them to perfectly ripe fruit that is balanced with acid and tannin. Alcohol comes in at a sensible 14.1%, proving that big wines need not be hot and raisiny. Drink this one young.
variety: Meritage