St. Supery Elu Meritage 2018

St. Supery Elu Meritage 2018 is a Bordeaux-style red blend from Napa Valley's Rutherford region, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 94 points by both Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling, this five-grape Meritage demonstrates the concentrated depth that Rutherford benchland fruit is known for, anchored by a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend with serious structure and aging potential.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Winery: St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery

Production & Heritage

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery is situated in Rutherford, one of Napa Valley's most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon appellations. The 2018 Élu blends 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 9% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc—a classic five-varietal Meritage composition. Fruit was hand-harvested during cool morning hours and delivered to the winery in half-ton bins, then processed through a meticulous double-sorting system: clusters were first sorted by hand, then destemmed, and individual berries were sorted again to ensure only the highest-quality grapes made the final selection. This attention to fruit quality before fermentation even begins is a hallmark of the Élu program.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with inviting layers of blackberry, dark chocolate, and cinnamon, followed by notes of cedar, violets, and earthy spice. Clove and smoked wood emerge with time in the glass, adding complexity.

Taste: On entry, dense black cherry and plum fruit coat the palate with impressive concentration. The mid-palate reveals dark chocolate, mocha powder, and ember-like warmth, while anise, graphite, and black olive add savory dimension. Very fine, well-integrated tannins give the wine shape and firmness without harshness, supported by bright acidity that maintains balance throughout.

Finish: The finish is long and layered, with lingering notes of dried black plum, dark chocolate, and a whisper of black licorice. Tannin structure persists cleanly, suggesting further development with cellaring.

How to Drink Élu Meritage

Decant for at least 45 minutes to an hour before serving; this is a full-bodied, tannic wine that opens considerably with air. Serve at 60–65°F in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass to fully appreciate the aromatic complexity. Élu drinks beautifully now but has the structure and acidity to reward cellaring through at least 2028–2030. For those who prefer a slightly softer profile, a brief rest in a decanter will round out the tannins and amplify the fruit and spice layers.

Best For

• Gifting a Napa Valley wine collector or Bordeaux-blend enthusiast
• Anchoring a multi-course dinner party with grilled or braised red meats
• Adding a 94-point, cellar-worthy vintage to a personal wine collection
• Marking a milestone occasion like an anniversary or career achievement from 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Élu Meritage taste like? Élu Meritage 2018 is a full-bodied, Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux blend delivering dense layers of black cherry, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and earthy spice, framed by polished tannins and bright acidity.

How does Élu Meritage compare to other Napa Valley Meritage wines? Élu sits comfortably in the upper tier of Napa Meritage wines, earning 94 points from two major critics—a strong showing in a crowded field of Bordeaux-style blends from the valley. Its Rutherford origin gives it the dusty, structured character that distinguishes benchland Cabernet blends from softer, mountain or cooler-climate bottlings.

Is Élu Meritage good for sipping on its own? Absolutely—its layered aromatics, balanced acidity, and refined tannin structure make it an engaging wine to drink neat, especially after proper decanting to allow the full range of flavors to develop.

Where is Élu Meritage made? Élu Meritage is produced by St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery in Rutherford, a renowned Cabernet Sauvignon-growing appellation in the heart of Napa Valley, California.

What foods pair well with Élu Meritage? Grilled ribeye or filet mignon complements the wine's dark fruit and firm tannins. Braised short ribs echo its savory, spice-driven character. Aged hard cheeses like Gruyère or Comté match its intensity without overwhelming it. Roasted lamb with rosemary highlights the herbal and earthy undertones. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the wine's cocoa and mocha notes.

What sizes does Élu Meritage come in? The St. Supery Elu Meritage 2018 is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Élu Meritage worth the price? Élu positions as a premium Napa Valley Meritage, and dual 94-point scores from Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling place it among the best-reviewed wines in its class and price tier. For a five-varietal, estate-grown Rutherford blend with this level of critical recognition, it represents strong value within the broader landscape of high-end Napa reds.

Why Élu Meritage?

The 2018 vintage was widely regarded as an excellent year across Napa Valley, and Élu captures that quality with a blend that leverages all five traditional Bordeaux varietals from estate-grown Rutherford fruit. The double hand-sorting process before fermentation reflects an uncommon level of selectivity that shows in the wine's purity and concentration. Dual 94-point scores from Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling confirm it as one of the stronger Meritage releases in recent vintages from St. Supéry. For collectors and serious red wine drinkers, it delivers Rutherford typicity—structured, dark-fruited, and built to age—without requiring an ultra-premium outlay.