From exciting start to a well-deserved victory lap, this wine takes the checkered flag.

(ahem)

Racing metaphors aside, we really do love today’s Foyt Family Wines 2009 No. 72 Meritage. This food-friendly wine, blended from the Bordeaux varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), Cabernet Franc (12%) and Merlot (6%), is a true delight in the glass. Our entire tasting panel really took its time with this wine, finding ever more flavors and deepening aromas.

We love red blends, especially when they achieve such lovely balance. For all of its bold fruit, there is real elegance here, as well. In fact, the wine is elegant enough to pair with a rosemary pot roast, surrounded by beets and onion. A grilled New York steak with button mushrooms would also be excellent.