St. Francis Merlot Reserve

Experience the pinnacle of Sonoma Valley craftsmanship with St. Francis Merlot Reserve, a wine that embodies richness, elegance, and complexity. This full-bodied Merlot captivates with opulent layers of dark Bing cherry, plum preserves, and red licorice, accented by touches of cocoa, espresso, and dried lavender. Sourced from the region's renowned Wild Oak and Behler Estate Vineyards, the wine showcases fruit nurtured in ideal conditions, with warm days and cooling Pacific breezes creating balanced acidity and depth. Aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, it achieves a velvety texture and a long, polished finish. Perfectly structured yet approachable, this wine is a sophisticated choice for connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike. Process & Profile The St. Francis Merlot Reserve is produced using grapes exclusively sourced from Sonoma Valley's renowned vineyards, including the Behler Estate, Wild Oak Estate, and select high-altitude sites on Sonoma Mountain. These vineyards benefit from warm days and cooling evening breezes, which yield fruit with deep, concentrated flavors and balanced acidity. Meticulously hand-sorted, the grapes undergo a cold soak to maximize color and flavor extraction. Fermentation takes place in small, separate stainless steel lots, followed by aging in 100% French oak barrels (65% new) for 20 months. This precise process brings out the wine's full-bodied, velvety character while integrating refined oak nuances. Tasting Notes The St. Francis Reserve Merlot delights with a rich, aromatic bouquet of plum pudding, black licorice, espresso, and mocha. On the palate, it unveils luscious flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, and dark chocolate with hints of baking spices and sage. The wine's silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and full-bodied structure lead to a lingering, smooth finish, making it one of Sonoma's most celebrated Merlots. What Makes It Special Premium Vineyard Selection: Sourced from the best sites in Sonoma Valley, combining valley-floor and mountain-grown fruit for intricate flavor layers. Meticulous Winemaking: A two-day cold soak, small-lot fermentation, and prolonged oak aging ensure structure and complexity. Accolades: This Reserve Merlot has earned critical acclaim, including 94 points from Wine Spectator and recognition for its polished tannins and depth, underscoring its position as a top-tier wine. Sustainability: Produced in adherence to Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing standards, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship. How to Enjoy The St. Francis Merlot Reserve pairs beautifully with robust dishes such as: Braised short ribs, grilled lamb chops, or duck confit. Rich cheeses like aged gouda or blue cheese. Decadent desserts, including dark chocolate-based treats. For optimal enjoyment, serve the wine at a slightly cool room temperature (60°F–65°F) and decant 30 minutes before serving to fully unlock its aromatics and flavors. It is equally perfect for savoring now or cellaring for up to 8–10 years to develop deeper layers of complexity. Why Choose St. Francis Merlot Reserve The St. Francis Merlot Reserve harmonizes tradition, craftsmanship, and sustainable viticulture. It stands as an exceptional example of what Sonoma Valley Merlot can achieve, making it a must-have for wine enthusiasts seeking quality and character in every sip. Frequently Asked Questions What are the primary tasting notes of the St. Francis Reserve Merlot? The St. Francis Reserve Merlot features rich and velvety flavors. It offers toasty aromas of plum pudding, espresso, and black licorice, with flavors of mocha, blackberry, and baking chocolate emerging before a long, smooth finish. Where are the grapes for the St. Francis Reserve Merlot sourced? The grapes for this wine are sourced from Sonoma Valley vineyards, including the Wild Oak Estate Vineyard, Behler Estate Vineyard, and Dinner Vineyard located on Sonoma Mountain. These locations provide ideal growing conditions, with warm, sunny days cooled by coastal breezes and fog, resulting in deep, complex fruit flavors. How is the St. Francis Reserve Merlot made? After hand-sorting, the grapes go through a two-day cold soak to extract optimal color and flavor. Aged in 100% French oak barrels (65% new), the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and 20 months of aging to develop its complexity and character. What makes this Merlot a "Reserve" wine? Reserve wines, such as the St. Francis Reserve Merlot, typically feature grapes from select vineyard blocks that demonstrate superior quality. The meticulous winemaking process, including extended barrel aging and the use of high-quality French oak, further enhances the wine's depth and richness. What is the aging potential of the St. Francis Reserve Merlot? This full-bodied wine is approachable now but has the structure and balance to age gracefully for many years. Proper cellaring can further enhance its depth and complexity. What are the best food pairings for this wine? The Reserve Merlot pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it alongside roasted pork, grilled lamb, or hearty pasta dishes with rich sauces. It also complements earthy vegetables and creamy cheeses. What is the alcohol content of the St. Francis Reserve Merlot? The alcohol content is 14.5%, which is typical for a full-bodied, robust wine like this. How does the 2019 vintage of the St. Francis Reserve Merlot stand out? The 2019 vintage is notable for its growing season, which included abundant winter rainfall and an extended, temperate ripening period. These conditions allowed the fruit to develop rich flavors, balanced acidity, and exceptional color. This vintage has received high acclaim for its polished structure and long, quenching finish. What awards or recognitions has this wine received? The St. Francis Reserve Merlot is highly rated, earning scores such as 94 points from Wine Spectator in October 2022 and other accolades for its bold flavors and balanced profile. Can I visit the St. Francis winery to experience the Reserve Merlot? Yes, St. Francis Winery in Sonoma Valley offers tastings and experiences, including opportunities to learn more about their Reserve wines. Check their website for availability and booking details.