I bought this wine by mistake.  The label looked the same as the David Arthur Cabernet Sauvignon, so I picked up a bottle at Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas.  When I got home, I realized I had the Meritaggio, but decided to keep it anyway.  I'm glad I did.

In essence, the wine is a California version of a Bordeux blend (or meritage), but they blend in Sangiovese with it.  Sort of like Bordeaux meets Super Tuscan.  I did not like the bouquet when I first opened the wine (too briary), but with about 30 minutes of decanting, the wine opened up nicely.  The overly briary scents blew off, and revealed a cherry-plum bouquet, and lots of smokey, slightly tangy fruit on the palate.  This is a very food friendly wine, and the addition of the Sangiovese allows it to pair well with more zesty spicier dishes.

3.5 stars, $54.00 at Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas.

 

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