50 Harvests Meritage Blanc Napa Valley 2017

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Napa Valley

Varietal White Blend

Retail Price $35

ABV 14.2%

Score 4 Stars/91 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, medium golden straw color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of white peach and passion fruit with supporting notes of spring flowers, citrus zest, and candied ginger.

Flavor

The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of tropical fruits, lemon grass, and jasmine. The finish is long and lingering with bright citrus notes.

Intensity & Texture

Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet luscious texture.

Cool Factor

We love a delicious and well-made Meritage Blanc and we especially love it when it has a generous portion of Semillon!

Value Grade

You will be hard-pressed to find a better or more stylish White Bordeaux-inspired wine for the price. Just 225 cases made.

Analysis

In the 1970s and 80s it was not hard to find charming whites in California made primarily with Semillon. For a multitude of reasons Semillon has fallen out of favor in California but we have never lost our love for the grape — especially when paired with Sauvignon Blanc. The 50 Harvests Meritage Blanc is made with a blend of Semillon 52% and Sauvignon Blanc 48%. It's a Bordeaux-style blend with California fruit but it certainly tilts more to the Old World rather than the New. We love the impeccable balance as fresh acidity ideally frames the ripe orchard and tropical fruits with citrus zest accents. It's simply a beautiful wine that reminds us so much of great white Bordeaux blends made in California thirty-plus years ago.

How to Enjoy

Serve chilled with smoked salmon, sushi, grilled lobster, or roasted fowl. This wine is quite versatile at the table having sufficient body to accompany complex dishes and the acidity to be the ideal foil.