This Reif Meritage is heavy on the Sauvignon and Merlot, they make up 85% of the blend, which accounts for the up-front fruitiness of the wine, while the Cabernet Franc acts as the seasoning component. The nose is sweetly spiced raspberry with herbal characteristics. The taste is where this wine will continue to draw you in, sip after sip: mocha, tobacco, spiced-cherry and black cherry with toasted oak nuances. Grippy tannins make up part of the finish, yet they are still approachable and there is some licorice that also adds appeal. Mostly French oak was used with a smattering of American and Hungarian (10%) which adds its own kind of seasoning to the mix. Price: $29.95 – Rating: ****+