Year in and year out, Estancia consistently delivers a strong quality – to – price ratio across its breadth of bottles. Because I am never disappointed with their “entry” level of wines, Estancia is one of the brands I will consider when spending “big bucks” (hey, to me, $25-30 IS big bucks!) for a gift or special occasion. Their Meritage is an example.

Made from Paso Robles fruit picked in Estancia’s Keyes Canyon Ranches Vineyard, the blend is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot.

Following are notes for the 2004 vintage, which was released in October of 2008 and is drinking very well now — so uncork it if you have a bottle in your cellar. From what I understand, the latest release on retail shelves is the 2006.

Tasting Notes: Estancia Meritage 2004

Nose is rich, ripe, and full of black fruit, spice, hints of earth, pepper, and licorice. In the mouth there is a medley of flavors: blackberry, black raspberry, black licorice, boysenberry, and plum, with hints of sweet tobacco and vanilla. Tannins are firm, acidity is ample – well structured. Smooth, almost creamy texture. Finish is long and enjoyable, with plenty of black fruit. This wine needs food, so be sure to have it with cheese, grilled beef, or a roast. At just under thirty bucks, this is a good value.

a-9 t-8 b-9 fc-8 v-8 ~ 91 Points

Bottom Line

A rich, ripe, complex, well structured red that warms the palate with a plethora of black fruits and spice. Perfect pairing for roasts and stews. A good value and fitting gift bottle.

Find this wine at a retailer near you using Wine-Searcher, Vinquire, or WineZap

Learn more at the Estancia Estates website

When I first saw this wine I thought, “wow, a wine from Texas!”. After all, San Antonio IS in Texas, isn’t it?

Yeah … um … sometimes I’m not so smart.

With help from my reading glasses, a closer look at the label revealed that indeed the wine was from San Antonio Winery — a winery that happens to be located in Los Angeles, California.

But there are no vineyards in LA!

Perhaps — but that doesn’t mean there can’t be a winery.

In fact, San Antonio has been a winery since 1917, and is currently owned by the Riboli family. The Ribolis own vineyards in Napa Valley and Monterey, and also source grapes from Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara; Alexander Valley, Sonoma; and San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles — which is where this wine gets its grapes.

Specifically, the Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown in “Steinbeck Vineyard“. Before you go Grapes of Wrath on me, go check the website yourself and let me know if you find any indication that the Ernst and Steinbeck families — who own / owned the vines — are in any way related to John Ernst Steinbeck. Hmm … a mystery for another day.

We’ll get Lt. Columbo on the case … meantime, the tasting notes.

Tasting Notes: Maddalena Sauvignon Blanc

Ripe aromas of apple, pear, herb, and a hint of ginger. Similar fruit on the palate – ripe pear, peach, apple. Nice citrus flavor as well. Texture is very smooth, almost creamy. Attractive, zesty acidity makes this a good food wine. Drink it with pork, chicken, gamey fish, dishes accented by a mild cheese sauce. At about twelve bucks, this is a good value.

a-8 t-8 b-8 fc-8 v-7 ~ 89 Points

Winery: San Antonio / Riboli Family Wine Estates

Find this wine at a retailer near you using Wine-Searcher, Vinquire, or WineZap