Mount Palomar Meritage

[Innkeeper]

1997 Mount Palomar, Meritage, Temucula ($18). 60% Cabernet sauvigon, 30% merlot, and 10% cabernet franc makes this a rather traditional Meritage, at a very nice price. It is made to be consumed young, so we popped it last night, giving it an hour to rest in the carafe to be on the safeside. Ripe berry and current nose, with cedar and anise overtones. All this moves to the tongue tip. Cherries and walnuts add to the complexity of the medium/full body ($12.5% alcohol). Add to this well structured and smooth tannin across the palate, and wow! All followed by a three alarm finish. There was sufficient acid for further aging if desired. How good was it? Had to armwrestle Mother for the last glass. Matched it with mesquite grilled tenderloin steaks, baked sweet potato, and salad. Wonderful.