Harry McWatters is the Okanagan Valley's great wine pioneer. He founded Sumac Ridge, the region's first estate winery, in 1980, and was founding chairman of the British Columbia Wine Institute, the winery trade association. Four years ago, he moved on (with Sumac Ridge having been sold to giant Vincor) and started a consulting business. This new label, in partnership with successful vineyard manager Dick Cleave, sources fruit from the prime Black Sage Bench district and crafts it into small-production wines. The meritage is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. It's full-bodied and lush with smooth, fine-grained tannins and notes of cherry, cassis and chocolate enlivened by a bell-pepper note. Try with lamb. (harrymcwatters.com)