Our 2002 Bradford Meritage is layered with aromas of blackberry and currant with Rutherford Dust overtones and earthy characteristics. The well balanced tannins are full from the first taste, through the finish in the palate and mid-way the body explodes with hints of fresh boysenberry! Each lot was aged in French Oak for an average of 23 months then blended to make our 2002 Bradford Meritage bolder in the mouth but complimentary to food as well.
Our 2010 Rutherford Bradford Meritage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. A wine distinctive from both our Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it shows aromas of black licorice and blackberry on the nose, with additional cherry, mocha, and coco flavors present on the palate. Twenty-four months of barrel aging in French oak have helped produce a flavorful, full-bodied wine with balanced tannins for a long, lingering finish. Our Bradford Meritage drinks beautifully now, and should continue to age well for an additional seven to nine years.
Named after the county in Florida where Charles and Joanne Sawyer met and started their love story, this Bordeaux-style blend from the exceptional 2013 vintage in the Napa Valley is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from the Rutherford Appellation. With more structure and tannin than our other wines, the 2013 Meritage opens with a full nose of dark and brooding blackberry and blueberry with a touch of vanilla and spice. The rich mid-palate is where the supple tannins start to appear, and they linger through the long finish.
A prodigious example of our Bradford Meritage, our 2008 Estate Bradford Meritage is an expansive, complex wine blended from all four varietals grown on our Rutherford vineyard. The nose is intricate, with dominant black fruit aromas with hints of smoke, spice and tobacco. It has a full bodied mouth feel, with distinct flavors of currant, black cherry, and blackberry on the palate. A powerful, concentrated finish with white pepper and spice notes present. A lush, flavorful wine.
A refined and elegant wine, our 2009 Bradford Meritage is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Dark chocolate, mocha, and subtle black and red fruit aromas are present on the nose. Additional flavors on the palate include blackberry, blueberry, currant, and hints of anise. The finish is distinguished, with chocolate, spice and cassis flavors present through the finish. A gentle giant of a wine.