Lot 48 2005 Napa Valley Meritage
- Vintage: 2005
- Appellation: 80% Rutherford District, Napa Valley, 20% Oak Knoll, Napa Valley
- Grape: 50% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot
- Alcohol by volume: 14.5%
- Production: 7,000 cases
- Release date: October 23, 2007
- Online availability: Sold Out
Find out what the critics think.
Taste: Lot 48 Meritage is an expression of what is best in Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Each varietals contribution weaves a tapestry of flavors centered on a concentrated core of currant, black cherry, blackberry and sweet cigar smoke. The wine is opulent in the mouth, finishing within a framework of toasty French oak, dark chocolate and freshly roasted coffee. The tannins are well integrated and the wine will grow more succulent with each minute in the glass.
Cameron Confidential: Much of what we have released of the 2005 vintage are wines that have shown themselves to need a bit of time in the bottle. Finally, we have one that drinks juicy, ripe, and plump right out of the gate. If you liked Lot 23, you’ll love Lot 48.
This marriage of merlot, cab, cab franc, and malbec is sourced from a variety of producers with much of the wine coming from Rutherford District producers in Napa Valley. We got some smokin’ pricing primarily because of the merlot, which, due to the "Sideways Movie" effect, is very oversupplied right now and dynamite juice is available to us at, let’s say, rather advantageous prices. Of course, we pass the savings to you (otherwise this wine would be another couple of bucks a bottle). The main component for this blend comes from a mid-sized winery in Napa that specializes in Merlot and makes really beautiful stuff with all the fixin’s, pretty French oak and juicy fruit. The remaining components are each sourced from different high-end producers and could easily stand on their own. Put ‘em together and you have one of our best releases all year.
