Meritage wines are wines "blended in the Bordeaux tradition." According to the Meritage Association website, the grapes used include: "Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec or Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Sauvignon Vert."

Estancia Meritage 2005 had a taste of deep, ripe fruit. It is a bordeaux blend and was very "opulent," according to our host. The wine was dark, deep and delicious. You could taste the cherries.