WTN: Hillebrand Artist Series Meritage 2006

Niagara Peninsula.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Spicy, tangy, raspberry and vanilla on the nose.

Earthy, nicely tangy, cherry, raspberry and light cranberry fruit, spicy, medium weight, vanilla, leather, smoky.

A tangy, mouthwatering finish.

This wine reminded me, once again, about the importance of vintage. I loved a bottle of this wine from the 2005 vintage that I had this summer, but this, from the troubled 2006 vintage, wasn't nearly as good, although the tangy-cranberry aspects did make it interesting.

Screwcap closure.

Purchased on sale at $10.40 (Canadian).

Bruce,

I'd say you paid about what it was worth, and maybe just a tad more.

My major criticism with the heavy focus on Bordeaux varieties in Niagara is that they are only marginally suited to our climate: Zweigelt is a much better grape, but problems are constantly made because of its "non-prestigious" lineage. Bah, humbug I say!

That said, the Artist Series is a very good line of wines, but I would buy the Meritage only from the hotter years (e.g. 2005 and 2007).