“The tannins were silky and enjoyable—not too drying—with a complexity that made it difficult to decide whether sweetness or spice defined the wine.”

Quick Verdict

Fox Run’s 2019 Meritage earned an 8.5/10 from me through its enjoyable texture and intriguing complexity. Silky tannins provided structure without excessive dryness, while the interplay between fruit, sweetness, and spice made it difficult to place in a simple category.

What It Is

A Finger Lakes red blend from Fox Run Vineyards. The 2019 Meritage combines Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. A contemporary review identifies Cabernet Franc as 20% of the blend.

This review looks back on a bottle I purchased in Ithaca rather than documenting a fresh tasting.

Aroma and Flavor

My strongest recollection is the interplay between fruity sweetness and clove-like spice. Neither completely defined the wine, and that difficulty in classifying it was part of its complexity.

Mouthfeel

The tannins were the standout feature: silky, enjoyable, and present without being excessively drying.

There was a gentle drying sensation, followed by a slight mouthwatering response. The texture gave the wine character without making it feel harsh.

Acidity felt low to my palate. That describes my sensory impression, not a measured acidity level.

Dry to Sweet

Somewhere between a fruity sweetness impression and a spicy character that complicated the picture.

I would not assign a precise dry-to-sweet score from memory. Perceived sweetness here should not be taken as a statement about residual sugar.

Personal Note

I bought this bottle at a store in Ithaca, New York, for more than $50. Although I no longer remember the store, I remember enjoying the wine—particularly the tannins and the difficulty of deciding how to describe its flavor.

Those are the details that stayed with me.

Where It Fits in My Palate

This bottle captures something I appreciate: complexity paired with an enjoyable texture. The tannins contributed to the experience without becoming an obstacle to it.

The sweet-and-spicy interplay gave me more to consider than a single dominant flavor would have.

What It Is Not

In my experience, it was not an aggressively drying or sharply acidic red. Nor was it easily defined as simply sweet or simply spicy.

That describes this remembered bottle, not every vintage of Fox Run Meritage.

Would I Buy Again?

Yes—even at more than $50 a bottle. The silky tannins and intriguing balance between fruity sweetness and spice made the 2019 Fox Run Meritage worth revisiting. It earned its 8.5/10 through both complexity and genuine enjoyment, and I would gladly buy another bottle.

Final Verdict

8.5/10. Silky tannins were the defining strength of this wine, supported by low perceived acidity and an engaging balance between fruity sweetness and spice.

A memorable Finger Lakes Meritage whose texture mattered just as much as its flavor.

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