2004? or 2005? Norman No Nonsense Meritage, Paso Robles, CA

[wondersofwine]

At Chris's Open Hearth Steak House Friday I asked for a sip of the Montes Merlot from Chile (having heard good things about the Montes Folly Syrah)and the Norman No Nonsense Meritage to decide which I would like better with ladies' cut of sirloin steak. I prefered the Meritage (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.) Dark purple color, opaque, with a crimson rim. Soft tannins as advertised on winelist description (which omitted vintage.) Dark berries on the nose. A bit peppery mid-palate and on the finish. Easy drinking except for the pepper. Paired quite nicely with the sirloin.