Mighty Oak Meritage (2012)

About this wine

The 2012 White Oak 'Mighty Oak' Napa Valley Red Blend presents a deep ruby color and opens with aromas of bright Rainier cherry and raspberry, complemented by hints of espresso, cedar, and mocha. On the palate, these flavors are supported by gentle yet firm tannins, leading to a long finish of black fruit and rich, toasty oak. This wine was manually harvested at optimal ripeness, hand-sorted in the vineyard, and aged for 18 months in Bordeaux-style French and Hungarian oak barrels. The blend includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, showcasing the classic Bordeaux-style composition known as Meritage. The term 'Meritage' is a combination of 'merit' and 'heritage,' representing the high-quality, heritage Bordeaux varieties used in the blend.

About the grape

The 2012 White Oak Mighty Oak Meritage from Napa Valley is crafted using a blend of traditional Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its small, thick-skinned berries, contributes deep color and robust tannins, providing the wine with structure and aging potential. Merlot adds softness and ripe fruit flavors, balancing the tannic intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc introduces aromatic complexity with subtle herbal notes, while Malbec imparts rich color and a touch of spiciness. Petit Verdot, often used in small quantities, enhances the blend with additional depth and floral aromas. Together, these varietals are cultivated in Napa Valley's diverse microclimates and soils, allowing winemakers to create a harmonious and complex Meritage wine.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 2012 White Oak "Mighty Oak" Napa Valley Red Blend is a Bordeaux-style wine, crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
• 🛢️ This wine was aged for 18 months in Bordeaux-style French and Hungarian oak barrels, enhancing its complexity and depth.
• 🍒 The 2012 vintage offers aromatic notes of bright Rainier cherry and raspberry, complemented by hints of espresso, cedar, and mocha.
• ⚖️ With an alcohol content of 13.5%, this wine strikes a balance between richness and drinkability.
• 🏅 The 2012 vintage received a bronze medal at the 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, highlighting its quality and craftsmanship.

Palate profile

Producer

White Oak Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1981 by Bill Myers, a former salmon fisherman from Alaska who relocated to Healdsburg, California, in the late 1970s. After purchasing his first vineyard, Myers collaborated with esteemed winemakers like Marianne Graf to produce wines that quickly gained recognition for their quality. The winery's 17-acre estate features old vine Zinfandel dating back to 1928 and 1935, along with a three-story tasting room offering panoramic views of the vineyards. Notably, Myers, who also crafts live-edge wood tables, designed the tasting room's bar with a unique brass covering to prevent glass breakage.