2001 Hahn Estates Central Coast Meritage

[newsguy]

my regular wine shop gave this a great review, so i picked up a bottle. the blend: 41% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, %15 Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petite Verdot. opened it two nights ago. very tasty and a very good value. great aromatics and flavors, with darker fruits on the nose, lighter fruits on the tongue. fairly complex, also plenty of acidity and drying tannins -- though the latter don't cut off the lengthy finish. drank the rest of the bottle last night, and thought it improved a bit after spending the night in the fridge with the vacu-vin. drinking great now, but would suggest short-term cellaring. figure peaking in 3-5 years and should hold for a while past that. would rate it at 90 now, with potential to improve a point or two. $12.99 a bottle, and $11.99 by the case (which is what i'm going back to buy).

[megawill]

Haven't tried the Meritage...but do know that Hahn also makes a very, very nice Shyrah at the same price point...

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megawill