The Meritage (44% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec) was aged in new and one-year old French oak barrels for 18 months. The different varietals were barreled separately, then the top barrels were later blended based on their structure, fruit concentration, mouthfeel, acidity, and potential age-ability.