Frequently Asked Questions
Indulge in the elegance of St. Francis Reserve Merlot, a full-bodied masterpiece from Sonoma Valley. This opulent wine unveils captivating layers of dark Bing cherry, plum preserves, and red licorice, accented by aromas of espresso and dried lavender. Aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, it harmonizes polished tannins, vibrant acidity, and a velvety texture for a long, luxurious finish. Created from meticulously grown grapes in the picturesque vineyards of Sonoma Valley, its blend of mountain and valley fruit offers a depth and complexity that pairs beautifully with gourmet meals or quiet evenings. Awarded 94 points by Wine Spectator, this Reserve Merlot is a testament to the art of winemaking.
Process & Profile
The St. Francis Reserve Merlot hails from the esteemed vineyards of Sonoma Valley, a region surrounded by the Sonoma and Mayacamas Mountains. This unique geography creates ideal growing conditions, characterized by warm days and cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in richly flavored fruit. Grapes are hand-sorted and undergo a meticulous winemaking process, including a two to five-day cold soak to extract optimal color and flavors. This Merlot is aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, 42-65% of which are new, enhancing its complexity and structure.Tasting Notes
This full-bodied wine greets the senses with aromas of dark Bing cherry, black licorice, and plum preserves, accented by hints of espresso and dried lavender. On the palate, it offers a seamless blend of flavors, including blackberry, mocha, and baking chocolate, alongside notes of cassis and cocoa. The wine has well-balanced acidity, polished tannins, and a long, velvety finish that makes every sip memorable.What Makes It Special
The Reserve Merlot showcases the artistry of St. Francis Winery, known for pioneering ultra-premium Merlot in Sonoma Valley. The fruit is sourced from multiple vineyards to achieve the perfect balance: the valley floor brings softer textures, while mountain-grown grapes add structure and complexity. The sustainable practices and precise barrel aging contribute to this wine's refined character, making it a standout in its class. Recognized by critics, it has earned ratings as high as 94 points, underscoring its exceptional quality.How to Enjoy
This wine's bold flavors and velvety texture make it an excellent pairing for hearty dishes. Serve alongside beef tenderloin, lamb chops, or roasted duck to complement its richness. For cheese lovers, pair with aged cheddar or creamy blue cheese to bring out its mocha and berry notes. Best enjoyed at a slightly cooler room temperature, this wine is perfect for special occasions or intimate dinners. While approachable now, it can be cellared to further enhance its complexity over the next 6-8 years.Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors and aroma notes of St. Francis Reserve Merlot?
St. Francis Reserve Merlot offers rich aromas of dark red fruits, espresso, and black licorice. The flavor profile includes juicy black cherry, mocha, blackberry, plum, and notes of cinnamon and baking chocolate. It has a velvety texture with a long, smooth finish.
Where are the grapes for St. Francis Reserve Merlot sourced?
The grapes are sourced from Sonoma Valley, specifically from the Wild Oak Estate Vineyard, Behler Estate Vineyard, and high-altitude Dinner Vineyard. The region's warm days and cool evening breezes create ideal conditions for producing fruit with complex flavors and balanced acidity.
How is St. Francis Reserve Merlot made?
The grapes are hand-sorted and undergo a cold soak to maximize color and flavor extraction. The wine is aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (65% new), where it also undergoes malolactic fermentation.
What is the best way to serve and store St. Francis Reserve Merlot?
Serve this wine slightly below room temperature, ideally at 60-68°F (15-20°C), to bring out its aromas and flavors. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving is recommended. It can be stored in a cool, dark place and aged for 5-10 years, during which it will develop greater complexity.
What foods pair well with St. Francis Reserve Merlot?
This full-bodied Merlot pairs excellently with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, rich pasta dishes, and aged cheeses. Its velvety tannins and dark fruit flavors complement hearty, savory dishes.
What makes St. Francis Reserve Merlot unique compared to other Merlots?
This wine showcases the exceptional characteristics of Sonoma Valley fruit. It balances the opulence of dark fruit flavors with vibrant acidity and polished tannins, reflecting the meticulous winemaking process and ideal climate of the region.
Is St. Francis Reserve Merlot a dry wine?
Yes, St. Francis Reserve Merlot is a dry wine with a well-integrated balance of acidity and tannins, complemented by its rich fruit flavors and velvety mouthfeel.
What awards or ratings has St. Francis Reserve Merlot received?
The St. Francis Reserve Merlot consistently receives high ratings. For example, the 2019 vintage was awarded 94 points by *Wine Spectator*, highlighting its exceptional quality.
What is the alcohol content of St. Francis Reserve Merlot?
The alcohol content of this Merlot typically ranges around 14.5%, reflecting the ripe fruit from Sonoma Valley's warm climate.
Can I age St. Francis Reserve Merlot?
Yes, this Merlot is crafted to age gracefully. Under proper storage conditions, it can develop greater complexity and depth over 5-10 years.
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