For many Okanagan wineries, a Meritage is their pride and joy.

March 15, 2011 - Jurgen Gothe - Georgia Straight

Young & Wyse 33.30.24.13 2009 ($26.90)

Why look for a catchy name when you can just list the grapes by percentage? The still fairly new Osoyoos winery sent this one out in time for last year’s best-of listings, and it’s still drinking beautifully: a gorgeous expression of the terroir and heady fruit of the South Okanagan. The label gets it right when it points to “licorice, espresso beans, and exotic spices”. Okay, so they’ve included Syrah (30 percent), which isn’t on the Bordeaux list, but it sure makes for marvellous mellowness, abundant fruit, and a glorious finish. Excellent value as a special-occasion wine, and one for the cellar. The blend is 33-percent Merlot, 30-Syrah, 24-percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and 13-percent Cabernet Franc.

http://www.straight.com/article-364252/vancouver/time-round-years-best-domestic-reds