FEATURED WINE OF THE 12-WINES-OF-XMAS PACKAGE = WEEK FOUR VIRTUAL

 WINEMAKER NOTES: The 2023 Meritage was blended from mature, exclusively estate-grown, traditional Bordeaux varietals. All old-growth Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot fruit were gently harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure top quality for this classic red wine blend. After harvest, each of the varietals underwent gentle de-stemming and separate small-batch fermentation, with manual punch-downs conducted twice daily to soak the cap formed by the skins. After completion of the fermentation, each of the separate batches was pressed from the grape skins and barrel-aged for 18 months. The oak selected to mature components for this blend was a combination of premium French oak (40%) and American oak (60%) with most of the barrels being second or third fill. After barrel aging, select casks were racked into stainless steel tanks to create the final blend. No two Meritage blends are ever the same from Kacaba Vineyards Winery; each blend reflects the growing season and strives to capture the best traits of the individual varietals from that year. The final blend for the 2023 Meritage: 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Cabernet Franc and 18% Merlot.

TASTING NOTES: Greater than the sum of its parts, this traditional Bordeau style red blend combines Kacaba estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Deep ruby colour with aromas of dark fruits, dark chocolate, and sweet hints of spice. The palate is bursting with dark cherry, dark plum, dark chocolate, and licorice.

 FOOD PAIRING: The smooth nature of this wine makes it a natural choice to pair with just about anything, but also perfectly suited to drink on its own. Enjoy with fruit and spice-driven meat dishes like prune/pepper glazed pork souvlaki or slow-braised pork shoulder with cardamom, black pepper and allspice. Eggplant with forest mushrooms and tomato-based dishes will also pair very well.