I like what Bernard Gorski (owner / winemaker) is doing at Colchester Ridge - small lots of wine at more than fair prices; he's also got the gumption to try new stuff to see if it works - he's taking it slow and building his brand. Something Bernie has always been able to do is make good reds year after year, and this year's Meritage is no exception. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc aged 14 months in oak (20% new). There's good heft to the wine in the mouth, delicious spice, vanilla, cinnamon-toastiness with a good spicy finish and a hint of licorice root ... for $20 this is a delicious value and worthy of 5+ years of ageing i your cellar, if you want to see it improve even further. Price: $20.00 - Rating: ****1/2