Beskrivelse
For over 50-years, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has defined Sonoma County excellence by producing award-winning wines of the highest caliber from mountain and valley vineyards throughout the region. As a 100% Certified Sustainable winery, we are committed to nurturing and preserving the splendor of our natural environment for future generations to enjoy. We invite you to share in our legacy.
Tasting Notes
Intense color and expressive aromatics set the stage for this classic Merlot. The rich aromas and flavors of dark, crushed berries, cassis, ripe plum and bittersweet chocolate are balanced with good acidity and a long, spicy finish.
Vintage Notes
Our 2021 harvest began just a little earlier than last year, with the first fruit picked on August 18. Limited rainfall during the growing season produced slightly lighter crops but brought intense, concentrated flavor and color. Free from lingering heat waves, the consistent weather during the summer months helped maintain fruit acidity for brightness and balance. Harvest continued through the middle of October when we picked the last red grapes from our estate Lagomarsino Vineyard.
Vineyard Notes
The grapes in our Sonoma County Merlot come from our Certified Sustainable Estate Behler and Wild Oak vineyards, both located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, as well as from top growers throughout the region. Merlot thrives in Sonoma’s picturesque valleys where warm days are cooled by evening breezes and fog from the Pacific Ocean. Each carefully selected vineyard contributes distinctive and individual qualities to the finished wine.
Winemaker Notes
All grapes are gently de-stemmed before cold-soaking for two days to extract optimal color and flavor. The fruit is fermented in separate lots, allowing each lot to be individually and distinctly crafted before being aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. The wines are kept 16 months in barrel before final blending and bottling.
