St. Francis' interpretation of this varietal is a full and intense expression of the grape in a distinctive Sonoma style. The perfumed aromas of plummy black fruit and spicy herb and vanilla nuances are confirmed in the ripe, lush flavors. On the palate, the fruit is rich and full with hints of chocolate, set in a structure of generous, round tannins which are carried into the persistent, mouthfilling finish.
The fruit is hand-harvested, brought to the winery and crushed into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. When the tanks are two-thirds to three-quarters full, the must is inoculated with selected yeasts and yeast nutrient. Fermentation takes place at temperatures of up to 85° to 90°F over a period of eight to 15 days, and once fermentation is underway, the juice is pumped over the cap of skins three times daily for a half hour each to extract maximum color. Toward the end of the alcoholic fermentation, a culture is introduced to initiate the malolactic fermentation; the wine is pressed from the skins into fresh stainless steel, where malolactic fermentation is completed over four to six weeks.
The lots are racked into French and American oak barrels of up three years' age, of which 25 to 30 percent are new, and remain separate during the 19 to 20-month aging period. Depending on the vintage, origin of oak is in proportions of 20 to 40 percent French oak, which lends refined, toasty, vanilla notes; and 60 to 80 percent American oak, which contributes tannic structure and cedar and tobacco notes. The barrels are topped roughly once every three months. At the end of the term in oak the blend is assembled, and unless it has not clarified sufficiently in barrel, the wine is bottled without filtration and held for eight months prior to release.
GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Merlot ALCOHOL CONTENT: ±13% - 14% TOTAL ACIDITY: 6.0 - 7.0 grams/litre RESIDUAL SUGAR: none (fully dry)
FISH Tuna Marinated and Seared or Grilled MEAT Roast Leg of Lamb Basted with Fresh Rosemary and Olive Oil Peking Duck or other Asian Soy Based Dishes “South of the Border” Dishes like Chicken Mole or Braised Pork made with Mild Chilies CHEESE Cheddar Cheese Smoked Cheeses Dry Aged Cheeses