"Winemaker Bernard Portet was born in Bordeaux and grew up playing in the finest vineyards of the world--Lafit Rothschild. He moved to the U.S. and began his career in 1971 as co-founder of Clos du Val. Heritance is his venture in which he uses his signature blending style producing wines that are greater than the sum of their parts. The 2008 Heritance Cabernet has 8% Merlot added making the resultant wine elegant and accessible. The color is a medium dark ruby and the aromas are fragrant with black fruits, some mint, and a hint of currant and vanilla spice. It is full-bodied with a balance of flavors and structure that are classy and pleasing. It can age, yet is enjoyable to drink now paired with herb rubbed steak complemented by a red wine sauce."~(Monica McCall)