In part due to a late spring frost that significantly reduced our yields in 2020, we worked with one of our Winemaker Benoit Pineau’s best friends and colleagues to create a wine abroad in south west France. This 2020 wine is produced similarly to our Meritage, following our production standards; fermentation, blending, barrel profile, and aging. The goal is strictly to compare the terroirs; Virginian “clay-loam” vs AOC Bergerac’s “Argilo-calcaire” soils. The blend is composed of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec. The appearance is dense in color and expresses black currants and earthy notes at first. The palate feels clean and bright, showing aromatics of cranberries and black cherries.