Meritage (1984)

About this wine

The 1984 Lyeth Meritage from Sonoma County is a testament to the art of blending Bordeaux varietals, combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. This wine presents a deep garnet color, indicative of its maturity. On the nose, it offers aromas of dark cherry, plum, and boysenberry, complemented by subtle hints of spice and oak. The palate reveals a well-balanced structure, with flavors of ripe blackberries and currants, intertwined with notes of cedar and tobacco. The tannins have softened over time, resulting in a smooth, lingering finish. Notably, Lyeth Estate was among the pioneers in California to craft wines in the Meritage style, blending traditional Bordeaux grapes to create complex and distinctive wines.

About the grape

In 1984, Lyeth Estate crafted its Meritage blend using traditional Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its deep color and tannic structure, forms the backbone of the blend. Merlot adds softness and ripe fruit flavors, while Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic complexity. Petit Verdot enhances color and adds floral notes, and Malbec brings in rich fruit flavors and a velvety texture. This combination reflects Lyeth's commitment to creating harmonious and distinctive wines through blending.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The term 'Meritage' is a blend of 'merit' and 'heritage,' symbolizing the quality and tradition of Bordeaux-style wines produced outside of France.
• 🏰 Lyeth Estate, founded in 1981 by Chip Lyeth, was among the first California wineries to focus on Bordeaux-style blends, leading to the creation of the Meritage Association in 1988.
• 🍇 The 1984 Lyeth Meritage from Sonoma County is a blend of five classic Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.
• 📜 Pronounced to rhyme with 'heritage,' 'Meritage' wines must be made from at least two of the noble Bordeaux grape varieties, with no single variety exceeding 90% of the blend.
• 🌟 The 1984 vintage of Lyeth Meritage is notable for its pioneering role in establishing the Meritage style in California, showcasing the potential of Bordeaux-style blends in the region.

Palate profile

Producer

Lyeth Estate, founded in 1981 by Chip Lyeth in Sonoma County, California, was among the first in the region to focus on Bordeaux-style blends, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. Inspired by a 1972 family trip to Bordeaux, Chip's passion led him to establish the winery, which gained acclaim for its Meritage blends—a term combining 'merit' and 'heritage'—and became a founding member of the Meritage Association in 1988. After Chip's untimely death in 1988, the winery changed ownership, with Boisset Collection acquiring it in the early 1990s. In April 2024, WarRoom Cellars purchased Lyeth Estate, continuing its legacy of innovative blending and quality winemaking.