Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the St. Francis Reserve Merlot, a meticulously crafted wine from Sonoma Valley, where ideal growing conditions produce exceptional fruit. This Reserve Merlot boasts a deep, concentrated hue and a luxurious palate of dark Bing cherry, red licorice, plum preserves, and whispers of dried lavender. Aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, with 42% new oak, it achieves a perfect balance of vibrant acidity, polished tannins, and a long, satisfying finish. With accolades like a 94-point Wine Spectator rating for its 2019 vintage, this Merlot delivers elegance, complexity, and a true expression of Sonoma's terroir. Perfect for savoring now or cellaring for future enjoyment.
Process & Profile
Crafted in the heart of Sonoma Valley, the St. Francis Reserve Merlot is a testament to traditional winemaking excellence combined with innovative techniques. The 2019 vintage benefits from meticulously selected fruit sourced from three premier Sonoma Valley vineyards—Behler Estate, Dinner Vineyard, and Wild Oak Estate. After a two-day cold soak for color and flavor extraction, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, followed by 20 months of aging in 100% French oak barrels (42% new). This process enhances the wine's structure, depth, and complexity, making it an exceptional Reserve Merlot.Tasting Notes
The St. Francis Reserve Merlot boasts a vibrant, deep ruby color, offering bold aromatics that lead with dark Bing cherry, ripe plum, black licorice, and hints of dried lavender. On the palate, expect a rich harmony of flavors, including plum preserves, fig, bright Rainer cherry, and a touch of espresso. Silky tannins and balanced acidity culminate in a long, quenching finish, making it both lush and approachable.What Makes It Special
This Merlot stands out for its elegant balance and complexity, cultivated through Sonoma Valley's iconic terroir. The vineyards benefit from warm summer days and cooling Pacific breezes, creating an exceptional growing environment for Merlot grapes. Aged with precision in French oak, the wine integrates oak-derived complexities such as cocoa, vanilla, and spice with its robust fruit character. Accolades affirm its pedigree: Wine Spectator awarded 94 points to the 2019 vintage for its polished tannins and vibrant profile.How to Enjoy
Versatile and refined, the St. Francis Reserve Merlot pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like rosemary-crusted lamb, braised beef short ribs, or duck confit. Its nuanced flavors also shine alongside blue cheese or grilled portobello mushrooms, offering a delightful balance of richness and acidity. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 60–65°F in a broad red wine glass to capture its exceptional aromatics. While it's ready to drink now, its structure promises potential for aging up to 10 years, making it a perfect addition to your cellar. Celebrate the artistry of Sonoma Valley in every sip of this remarkable Reserve Merlot.Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary tasting notes of St. Francis Reserve Merlot?
St. Francis Reserve Merlot offers layered flavors of dark Bing cherry, plum preserves, red licorice, and hints of dried lavender. It is well-balanced with good acidity, polished tannins, and a long, smooth finish.
What is the origin of the grapes used in this wine?
The grapes for St. Francis Reserve Merlot are sourced from Sonoma Valley, including vineyards such as Behler Estate for balanced acidity, Dinner Vineyard for structure, and Wild Oak for softer textures and flavors. This region provides ideal growing conditions for Merlot due to warm days and cool evenings from Pacific breezes and fog.
What food pairs well with St. Francis Reserve Merlot?
This Merlot pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as roasted meats, lamb, or mushroom-based dishes. The wine's rich fruit and balanced structure complement flavors like grilled vegetables, short ribs, or savory stews.
How is St. Francis Reserve Merlot made?
The winemaking process includes hand-sorting the grapes, a two-day cold soak for optimal color and flavor extraction, and fermentation in separate lots. The wine is aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (42% new), enhancing its texture and complexity.
What is the ideal way to serve this Merlot?
Serve St. Francis Reserve Merlot slightly below room temperature, ideally between 60-68°F (15-20°C). For the best experience, decant the wine for approximately 30 minutes to allow its flavors and aromas to fully develop.
How long can I age this wine?
St. Francis Reserve Merlot can be enjoyed now or aged for additional complexity. It typically ages well for 6-10 years, depending on the storage conditions.
What makes Sonoma Valley ideal for Merlot?
Sonoma Valley's warm days, tempered by cooling breezes and fog from the Pacific Ocean, create the perfect environment for Merlot. These conditions promote slow, even ripening, enhancing the fruit's flavor concentration and balance.
Is this wine suitable for gifting?
Yes, St. Francis Reserve Merlot is an excellent choice for gifting. Its elegant flavor profile, critical acclaim, and versatility make it suitable for wine enthusiasts and special occasions.
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