The 2021 August Briggs Meritage is our third ever production of this label and contains our first ever barrels of Cabernet Franc. We started out by blending one delicious barrel of Dry Creek Valley Malbec with three barrels of Cabernet Franc. These two varietals come from the Forchini vineyard in Dry Creek Valley but in separate blocks on their rolling bench land. The Cabernet Franc seems to be a great pair with Malbec as it brings a deep core of fruit with a more floral and spice element to the wine. While this wine is named after the great wines of Bordeaux, every time we taste it, we can’t help but think it is very similar to some great rich red blends from Mendoza, Argentina. Our 2021 Meritage brings together Cabernet Franc and Malbec in a wine that is smooth yet powerful with floral, herbal, and fruity aromas and flavors. The wine has a nose of black fruit, think blackberries and dark plum, and nutmeg, with a touch of oak. The palate is savory, exhibiting more ripe plum and fig flavors. A hint of black olive adds to its complexity. It has a strong backbone with integrated tannins that lead to a luxurious finish that lasts and lasts. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! A mere 95 cases bottled.