Too few producers in the U.S. still use “Meritage” as part of their program, and Dr. Brian Petersen uses the nautical term starboard to blends in a reference to his Right Bank Bordeaux angle – a Merlot-led approach that includes Cabernet Franc (21%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Petit Verdot (8%). Some of Washington state’s prized vineyards come into play with Merlot from Double Canyon in the Horse Heaven Hills and Cab Franc from Dineen in the Rattlesnake Hills. As usual, Petersen invests in barrels from cooperages such as Tonnellerie Taransaud and François Frères, and the influence is hedonistically stylish. The nose loads up with black cherry and dark plum then filters in cinnamon toast, allspice, and muscovado brown sugar. Those dark purple fruits spill across the palate with juiciness, fine-grained tannins, cocoa powder and a mix of Maui Gold pineapple and blueberry. The lingering grip is akin to bittersweet chocolate espresso beans.
Rating: Outstanding – 95 points
Production: 244 cases
Alcohol: 13.7%
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