Library Selection Crown Jewel Meritage (1994)

About this wine

This 1994 Crown Jewel Meritage from Ironstone Vineyards offers a deep, opaque color and a nose filled with violets and blackberry fruit, complemented by leathery notes. On the palate, it presents forward flavors of black cherry, chocolate, cinnamon, clove, and licorice, creating a complex and engaging profile. The wine achieves a harmonious balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins, resulting in a full-bodied experience without being heavy or overly extracted. The tannins are full yet smooth, contributing to a satisfying finish. Notably, this vintage was among the last to be bottled under the Crown Jewel label before future releases transitioned to the Ironstone Reserve designation.

About the grape

The 1994 Kautz Ironstone Vineyard Library Selection Crown Jewel Meritage from California's Sierra Foothills is crafted from a blend of five classic Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon, known as the 'King of Red Wine,' is celebrated for its full-bodied nature and deep color, contributing structure and aging potential to the blend. Merlot, with its soft tannins and fruity profile, adds approachability and roundness. Cabernet Franc, one of the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, imparts aromatic complexity and subtle spice notes. Petit Verdot, traditionally used in small amounts, enhances the wine's color and tannic backbone, while Malbec introduces deep color and robust tannins, adding to the wine's depth. The Sierra Foothills region, with its warm, high-altitude terroir and rocky soils, is well-suited for cultivating these varieties, producing grapes with concentrated flavors ideal for creating complex and balanced wines.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1994 Library Selection Crown Jewel Meritage from Ironstone Vineyards is a blend of five classic Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.
• 🏞️ Ironstone Vineyards, located in California's Sierra Foothills, is renowned for producing several U.S. wine brands and has been listed among the largest wineries in the United States.
• 🏅 The term 'Meritage' is a combination of 'merit' and 'heritage,' signifying high-quality, Bordeaux-style wines made outside of France.
• 🍷 The 1994 vintage of this wine was noted for its opaque color and a full nose of violets and deep blackberry fruit with leathery notes.
• 🏛️ Ironstone Vineyards' facility is built in the shape of a gold stamp mill and houses the largest specimen of crystalline gold, known as Ironstone's Crown Jewel, weighing 44 pounds troy.

Palate profile

Producer

Ironstone Vineyards, established in 1989 by John and Gail Kautz, is located in Murphys, California, USA. The winery is renowned for its extensive wine caverns, excavated through 10,000 square feet of solid limestone and schist rock, a process that took ten months to complete. A notable attraction is the Heritage Museum, which houses the world's largest specimen of crystalline gold, known as "Ironstone's Crown Jewel," weighing 44 pounds troy. The winery also features a 200,000-square-foot amphitheater that hosts various concerts and events, contributing to its reputation as a premier entertainment destination in the Sierra Foothills.