The 2003 Grand Reserve Meritage, a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc all aged in French oak, comes from the Sonoma estate of Jess Jackson. This is a wine that could turn out to be outstanding. Deep ruby/purple with notes of graphite, cedar, pain grille, black cherry, and mulberry, the wine is medium to full-bodied, has pure fruit as well as nice texture. It has a Bordeaux-like personality and good length. Despite the size of some of the cuvees produced at Kendall-Jackson (2.3 million bottles of the Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay and 300,000 bottles of Sauvignon Blanc), winemaker Randy Ullom is at the top of his game, and of course is given carte blanche authority by the two principals, Barbara Banke and her husband Jess Jackson. There are some terrific values in this portfolio.Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (800) 600-5985