Vanessa Vineyard Meritage 2016

Jennifer Havers rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

What a lovely blend, made from 48% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of plum, cassis and mocha with hints of spice and dried herbs. Full bodied with bright acidity and lovely rounded tannins, plush berry flavours, and some lovely herbaceous and savoury hints. There is a little heat on this wine at 15.3% abv, but it would stand up well to a flavourful prime rib.

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).