Community Review

Vanessa Vineyard Meritage 2016

Similkameen Valley, British Columbia BC V.Q.A., Canada

Community Score: 4.6/5
Community Reviews: 2

Price: $120.00

Sweetness: Dry
Alcohol: 15.3%

Drink: 2023-2027

Bottle size: 750 ml
Winery: Vanessa Vineyard

Deborah Podurgiel WSET IV Candidate rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

From Vanessa Vineyards, Meritage 2016 is powerful, beautifully crafted and balanced. A deep, dark and plushy red wine blend of 48% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from 100% estate grown grapes, the wine is dry, full-bodied and savoury with plushy dark plum, cassis, dark cherry, raspberry compote, dried wild herbs, smoky bacon, dark spices, weighty, mouth-filling, supple with a long, mouth-filling finish. Just to note, there was a bit of a burnt match aroma when the wine was first opened, however it dissipated after 15 minutes (reduction), so decant the wine for a couple of hours prior to pouring it with a venison rib roast, or prime rib from the grill. Although alcohol is well-integrated and not even warming, this wine does clock in at 15.3% abv. and does need food. Tasted February 2023.

Growing degree days in Cawston from April to October of 2016 were 1521, above the local 12-year average of 1320. Grapes were harvested at Brix 29 and the vintage was almost entirely comprised of free run juice with a very small quantity of pressed juice added to balance tannins. Varietals were individually fermented and barrel aged for eight months. The small lots were then blended with the final assemblage aged an additional 12 months in American and French oak barrels (40% new).

Read Natalie's Full Review

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

SAVE MY SEAT!

Wine of the Week

As featured on

Boya White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc 2024,
Leyda Valley D.O. ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 333,881 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources. learn more

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,881 strong:

Community Review