On my recent trip to California, I was able to try some extraordinary California wines, but I also visited some great restaurants with equally impressive wine lists. While staying in Carmel, we ventured to the Highland’s Inn and ate at Pacific’s Edge Restaurant. The food was fabulous and De Lille Cellars 1996 Harrison Hill Vineyard Meritage was nothing short of stupendous. The ripe berry fruit on the palate married the the rack of lamb perfectly and even stood up to the baked gorgonzola that accompanied the lamb. The finish was silken with a slight cocoa flavour among the ripe black cherries. I love cherries and when a wine produces such a pronounced and succulent aroma and palate filled with cherries, I’m an automatic fan.

Tags: Carmel, cherries, de lille cellars, higland's Inn, lamb, meritage, pacific's edge