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WINE OF THE WEEK (MARCH 16)

Ed the Wine Guy's
WINE OF THE WEEK (MARCH 16)


STERLING VINTNER'S COLLECTION
MERITAGE 2011
CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA



The three top categories of wines for 2013 here at Harney's - and the trend continues into 2014 - were Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, box wines, and red blends. Red blends, I feel, are made to be immediately drinkable, without the need for decanting: removing sediment, or aeration: exposing a wine to air to release aromas and flavors. (As an aside, white wines never need to be aerated.) Sterling Meritage is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, a little-known grape varietal, which adds tannin, color, and flavor to the blend. This wine has aromas and flavors of cherries, plums, berries, chocolate, caramel, and vanilla, and is very satisfying from start to finish. A delicious and inexpensive everyday wine.