St. Francis Vineyards & Winery Sonoma Valley

Joe Martin and Lloyd Canton turned from white-collar executives to grape growers in 1971 with the acquisition of their St. Francis estate. The 100 acre property was and is an ideal site for growing grapes of world class quality. After many years of producing and selling their grapes to neighbouring wineries and sharing an exceptional reputation for the quality of the wines, the decision was made to build their own winery. In 1983, Tom Mackey became winemaker and with that vintage the winery's potential as a wine producer and not just a grape grower became evident. Tom's affinity for Chardonnay and particularly Merlot have made these two varietals the stars of the St. Francis portfolio. However, in recent years his skill with Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on an additional 237 acres that the winery owns, has been acknowledged and has made the St. Francis name synonymous with producing world class wines with all 4 varietals.

"Red" 2005 Sonoma County A proprietary Sonoma County blend of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, RED is lush with succulent ripe red fruit flavours and spicy aromas. Full-bodied and versatile, the blend changes each year to showcase the best varietals per vintage. A hot long vintage would favour Zinfandel, and a cool long one, Cabernet Sauvignon. RED pairs with a variety of foods for any occasion, from pizza to ribs. The label is as eye-catching as the wine is captivating. Each bottle displays one of twelve different labels "splashed" with bright red wine.

Chardonnay 2005 Sonoma County St. Francis Sonoma County Chardonnay is skillfully blended from estate grapes and Chardonnay grapes from nearby vineyards within the county. Fermented in a combination of 50% new French oak and 50% stainless steel. The barrel component adds a toasty complex character while the tank adds the fruity grape notes. Only some of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation to maintain good acidity in the finished wine. Prominent citrus and other tropical fruits combine well with unobtrusive oak and vanilla. The finish is rich and persistent - impressive, especially for the price.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Sonoma County St. Francis first produced Cabernet Sauvignon from purchased grapes for the 1985 vintage and was the result of a decade's search for a source of grapes of the quality and character Joe Martin had in mind. Fruit originates from four different vineyard areas, each of which contribute distinct and individual qualities to the finished wine. The Dry Creek Valley yields grapes of rich varietal character and moderate tannins; grapes from the Alexander Valley are soft and fruity; Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Mountain grapes lend the wine colour, tannin and body. St. Francis Sonoma County is styled to emphasize rich varietal character and body in a classic Sonoma style. The fragrant Cabernet aromas of cassis and black fruit are underscored by discreet notes of vanilla, cedar and tobacco, and carry into ripe, intense berry fruit flavours on the palate. The structure is firm and well balanced, with excellent depth and supple, generous tannins. These impressions are confirmed on the finish, which is long and marked by a complex notes of spice and oak. "Softly tannic, this Cab is full-bodied and has some complexity. The black cassis and cherry flavours have layers of spice and smoky oak, with a fine, sweet finish that lingers. Drink now through 2010." 88 points, Wine Enthusiast, web

Merlot 2005 Sonoma County Until the early 1990s, the St. Francis estate's 70 acres of Merlot vineyards were sufficient to meet its needs for this variety. As St. Francis' reputation for producing benchmark Merlot grew, however, a search began for vineyards yielding fruit compatible in quality and personality to that of the estate vines. Fruit for St. Francis Sonoma County Merlot is now sourced from the McCoy and Nunns Canyon vineyards on the western slope of the Mayacamas Mountains and from the Hunter Ranch at the foot of Sonoma Mountain, as well as from the fully-controlled Wild Oak vineyard and the St. Francis estate. 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 flavours. 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.

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All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability.

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