2007 Fourteen Napa Valley Meritage; need pairing

[tlegray]

I've tried it but it was after tasting at least 7 wines. I do remember liking it but couldn't tell you much more. It's 50% cabernet, if that helps. I received it as a gift. As for the meal, it will be all about the wine so something easy or cheeses.

[zin1953]

I don't understand the question . . .

[tlegray]

So sorry, it was a quick post on my phone. I should have read it through first.

I received a bottle of 2007 Fourteen....as a gift and would like to know what food or cheese suggestions to pair with it. This will be all about the wine because as a rule I don't spend this much for a bottle.

Thank you

[maria lorraine]

Do a search -- all years -- on foods to pair with Cab blends. Lots of ideas on this board, and this is a basic question so please avail yourself of what's already been posted.

[tlegray]

Thank you. I have and I will continue to search. I was hoping not to influence anyone with what I'm thinking and in that way possibly get ideas I hadn't thought of. Maybe it would have been better to approach it the other way around and have others tell me if I was going the wrong way.

So here goes; At the moment I'm thinking of a mixed green salad with goat cheese, a nut, probably marcona, and a fig vinegarette. I'm not much of a meat eater so I'm thinking mushroom crostini, or stuffed portobella. Recommendations favor grilled meat and I could do that if others say that's the way to go. I could also just enjoy the wine with some cheeses.

I think what worries me most is the price of this wine. It's not something I would normally purchase for myself. I like to keep my everyday wines under $25 and my celebratory wines under $60.

[budnball]

Relax and enjoy the wine. Even if it is out of your price range, it was given as a gift, so enjoy it as one. Most Cabs seem to want meat. and I would think this will need some decant time. I would not use this as a cheese and lite snack pour tho. If you are not a meat eater I would go with the portobella.

[tlegray]

Thanks, I was thinking meat would be the answer and was hopful Oh well, I'll probably go with steak. It's ok, I'd much rather get the full experience.

[Fowler]

>>>"At the moment I'm thinking of a mixed green salad with goat cheese, a nut, probably marcona, and a fig vinegarette. I'm not much of a meat eater so I'm thinking mushroom crostini, or stuffed portobella. Recommendations favor grilled meat and I could do that if others say that's the way to go"

Just a guess but I am thinking that mixed green salad with goat cheese would go better with a Sauvignon Blanc as opposed to a Cabernet Sauvignon based wine.

Your idea of something mushroomy sounds like a good match for a Cab blend.

I have always had good luck with lamb and Cab blends. I also like Bill's idea of grilled flank steak. That is a can't miss idea.

[tlegray]

Thank you. I like your idea of a Sauvignon Blanc with the salad and then we could have the Meritage with the grilled meat.

[Bill Hunt]

Do not know that wine, but for many Bdx.-styled blends, I find that grilled beef works fine.

Did a "Bdx vs Meritage" tasting, though none of the US wines were registered as "Meritage," and a grilled flank steak went beautifully. The smoke, plus the beef flavors went well. The various blends cut through any beef fat.

We then moved on to a cheese plate, with several hard cheeses, and still, all went well.

Enjoy,

Hunt

[tlegray]

Thank you. I'm going with the grilled flank steak, a favorite of my husbands. Might have to put some mushrooms on the side for me but it will be a win all the way around.