St Francis Merlot
| Description: | Grown in loam, clay and volcanic soil mixed with gravel, the 100% Sonoma County grapes in this wine are particularly intense. Grapes are handpicked at the peak of ripeness, selected from vineyards thruout Sonoma County, with micro-climates ranging from the hillsides of the Mayacamas Mountains to the cooler Sonoma Valley floor. The grapes are harvested by hand and crushed into stainless steel tanks for fermentation. The wine is then aged in American and French oak barrels for a full twenty-three months. Once the wine is blended and bottled it is allowed to rest for an additional eight months before release. A varietal classic with distinctive Sonoma County style-spicy herb and vanilla overtones, which give way to full strong black fruit on the palate, nuanced with chocolate. Its round, generous tannins give it a big finish. Region Description. Like its neighbor Napa, Sonoma is a small area filled with independent wineries and characterized by microclimates that vary according to the topography. The coolest parts of Sonoma are the fog-filled south, where the grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Northwards up the valley the climate warms and provides a good base for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. In general Sonoma wines are less dramatically flavorful than those of Napa. Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively soft, with blackcurrant fruit, minty and eucalyptus perfume, and some soft buttery oak. Zinfandel ranges from soft and gulpable to massive bramble and pepper styles. Chardonnay is rich and juicy, especially from the Russian River, and Sauvignon Blanc can be zingy and grassy. Most Sonoma wines have a freshness and a soft edge which makes them very suitable for drinking on their own, however they partner well with strongly flavored fish and meat dishes. The old-style Zinfandels are delicious with spicy cuisine. |
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| Price: | $ 21.99 |
| Price in original currency: | None |
Available from Haskell's
| Address: |
81 South 9th Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 United States |
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| Telephone (toll-free): | 800-486-2434 |
| Telephone (regular): | 612-342-2437 |
| Fax: | 612-342-2440 |
First added to 1000 Corks on April 4, 2022.
