Producer's Notes:

The 2012 Uppercut Meritage, the premier release, brims with black cherry, ripe raspberry and red currant character, accent by intriguing hints of mocha and bay leaf. This myriad of aromas and flavors reflect a core blend of Merlot, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The plush texture flavors fan out across the palate in layers of juicy red and dark-fruit and then culminate in a long finish tinged with vanilla, nutmeg and hazelnut from barrel aging. “It’s fun to play with the Bordeaux-heritage varietals and see how they interact with each other,” saysWinemaker Trevor Durling. “The blend will change with the vintage; 2012 was a great year for Merlot, so we chose that for our primary grape and added others for complexity. This is an inviting, food friendly wine with enough flavor depth for roast pork, lamb, duck or beef, yet its bright acidity and soft tannins also complement wild mushroom lasagna or even grilled salmon.”

Blend: 85% Merlot,, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec