Wine + Meritage Claret Estancia 2005 Meritage Paso Robles

Estancia, which began as an Alexander Valley label founded by Agustin Huneeus, is now part of Constellation’s Icon Estates portfolio and is focused on vineyards in Monterey (for cool-climate grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) and Paso Robles (for the warmer-weather grapes). The winery planted nearly 700 acres of grapes in 1999 at its Keyes Canyon Vineyard on the east side of Paso Robles; Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, but there’s also Merlot, Petit Verdot, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah.That vineyard is the source for this Bordeaux-style blend of 61 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 percent Merlot and 9 percent Petit Verdot. It’s a big, concentrated Meritage, with dark cherry and cassis fruit, some nice spice and a hint of mocha. There’s a long finish marked by firm but approachable tannins. You could easily cellar this Meritage for a few years, but it’s delicious now with something hearty, like a grilled steak, pot roast or even a juicy cheeseburger.