Is it a bird?

Is it a plane?

It’s SUPERBLY CELLARED, is what it is.

It also is one of the most popular red blends EVER to have crossed our shelves here at TWS. When we recently found out that they still had just a tad bit more left of this 2009 vintage (rated 96 points by the Wine Spectator for its “pure, opulent wines” by the way), we first could not believe it for a while, and then the samples arrived. So we’re looking at this perfectly pristine stock that has NEVER left the winery, but with over a decade of cellar age on it, still with a 60% discount, and ready for the enjoyment of our Operatives exclusively, we pull the cork…

The slightly evolved ruby-garnet color is indicative of development, while certainly on the younger looking side given its age. Blackberry, cherry, cassis, sweet tobacco, dark chocolate, toasted oak, and spice are all to be found in the energetic bouquet. Black cherry, blackberry, plum, raspberry, baker’s chocolate, and dusty bramble fill in the palate with joy and shocking reserves in youthful energy. Silky and long, with ripe tannins, lingering sweetness and a hint of black pepper. Balanced and smooth to pair well with many dishes, but this is superb to sip and contemplate on its own too, before or after dinner.

There it is, a wine we last featured 4 years ago, resurrected from the library as if time never passed. Not only does it perfectly prove that Cabernets and blends from Sonoma can easily give their Napa counterparts a run for their money, it even takes that claim a step across the Atlantic to Bordeaux. We can assure you that this will easily stand up against the great Grands Crus classes Châteaux of the Médoc of the same era. Yet good luck finding those now at under $40, let alone direct from the winery library!

Here is what the wine press has to say:

Chris Sawyer, Master Sommelier - “In France, the famous winegrowing region of Bordeaux is home to a wide range of Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wines known for their complex flavors and ability to age in the cellar. Over the past fifty years this style has continued to catch on in America; but until recently they were simply referred to as “Bordeaux blends.” That changed when a group of prominent producers on the West Coast and syndicated wine columnist Dan Berger rallied together to determine the new name with an American twist. The end result was meritage, a catchy wine term which combines the words “merit” and “heritage.” To use the name on the label, a winery must be a member of the Meritage Alliance, an organization originally formed in 1988. According to the rules of the organization, the blend must contain a minimum of 3 noble Bordeaux varieties. One of the tasty examples is the Super Sonoman 2009 Meritage from Sonoma County. In the glass, this complex red wine offers alluring aromas of dark fruit, tobacco, toffee, espresso beans and sage lead to deep flavors of blackberry, blueberry, black currant, cranberry, crushed peppercorns, cocoa powder, and roasted walnuts. Since the wine has been aged in barrel and bottle for a number of years, it’s drinking extremely well right now. For food pairings, try it with a selection of blue cheeses, grilled shiitake mushrooms, salmon marinated in red wine and soy sauce, smoked duck, tri-tip topped with fresh chimichurri, filet mignon, rack of lamb, or dark chocolate truffles for dessert.”