Chateau St. Jean
Sonoma County Merlot
Sonoma County, California, USA
Not going to rewrite the book on California merlot - if that’s your thing, you’ll like this, if it’s not you probably won’t - but definitely drinkable. Plenty of boysenberry pie, dark chocolate, creme brûlée and a hint of smoke drive this one forward. Soft and lush, it’s by no means a disappointment, it’s just not terribly interesting.
Not going to rewrite the book on California merlot - if that’s your thing, you’ll like this, if it’s not you probably won’t - but definitely drinkable. Plenty of boysenberry pie, dark chocolate, creme brûlée and a hint of smoke drive this one forward. Soft and lush, it’s by no means a disappointment, it’s just not terribly interesting.
1 person found it helpfulApr 3rd, 2018Fruity, dark berries. Not spicy. Pretty great for q merlot
Fruity, dark berries. Not spicy. Pretty great for q merlot
1 person found it helpfulMay 9th, 2015
Had this 4 or 5 months ago. A nice, comfortable Merlot with loads of fruit.
Had this 4 or 5 months ago. A nice, comfortable Merlot with loads of fruit.
Mar 27th, 2017Tons of sweet baking spices and ripe fruit with a nice depth to the aroma and taste. Easy drinking, enjoyable wine with decent finish.
Tons of sweet baking spices and ripe fruit with a nice depth to the aroma and taste. Easy drinking, enjoyable wine with decent finish.
Oct 17th, 2016
This label says California Merlot, but let’s go with Sonoma county I guess. The artwork on the label is Frenchie style with the drawing of the chateau and vineyards on there. Dusky and deep color. Kinda the color of🩸. Aroma is medicinal with a tincture and tonic side to match the dark fruits from vines and trees. Something perfume-like there too. Flavor is voluptuous and full. Pretty nice balance, but shoots for smooth over complex. Label says ‘toasted spice’. Sure. It’s a very good CA AVA Merlot. Punches well above its price point too.
This label says California Merlot, but let’s go with Sonoma county I guess. The artwork on the label is Frenchie style with the drawing of the chateau and vineyards on there. Dusky and deep color. Kinda the color of🩸. Aroma is medicinal with a tincture and tonic side to match the dark fruits from vines and trees. Something perfume-like there too. Flavor is voluptuous and full. Pretty nice balance, but shoots for smooth over complex. Label says ‘toasted spice’. Sure. It’s a very good CA AVA Merlot. Punches well above its price point too.
Jan 30th, 2023
Bright berry fragrances but just a little watery
Bright berry fragrances but just a little watery
Nov 28th, 2017
Winemaker Notes:
Ripe fruit aromas of fresh berries, red plum and cherry are robust and lead to rich flavors of fresh berry pie, milk chocolate and notes of black tea on the palate. The wine is well structured with a juicy mouthfeel, smooth tannins and a lasting finish.
Founded in 1973 in the Sonoma Valley, Chateau St. Jean is the quintessential Sonoma winery. Chateau St. Jean produces an extensive portfolio of Sonoma County wines as well as vineyard designated wines, limited production Reserve wines, and the flagship Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren uses her more than 30 years of vineyard and winemaking expertise with Chateau St. Jean to continue the tradition of highlighting the best of each vineyard site to produce exceptional wines. Chateau St. Jean was the first Sonoma winery to be awarded the prestigious “Wine of the Year” award from Wine Spectator Magazine for its 1996 Cinq Cépages, a Bordeaux style blend of “five varieties” and has long been recognized as a leader in vineyard designated wines.
Winemaker Notes:
Ripe fruit aromas of fresh berries, red plum and cherry are robust and lead to rich flavors of fresh berry pie, milk chocolate and notes of black tea on the palate. The wine is well structured with a juicy mouthfeel, smooth tannins and a lasting finish.
Founded in 1973 in the Sonoma Valley, Chateau St. Jean is the quintessential Sonoma winery. Chateau St. Jean produces an extensive portfolio of Sonoma County wines as well as vineyard designated wines, limited production Reserve wines, and the flagship Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren uses her more than 30 years of vineyard and winemaking expertise with Chateau St. Jean to continue the tradition of highlighting the best of each vineyard site to produce exceptional wines. Chateau St. Jean was the first Sonoma winery to be awarded the prestigious “Wine of the Year” award from Wine Spectator Magazine for its 1996 Cinq Cépages, a Bordeaux style blend of “five varieties” and has long been recognized as a leader in vineyard designated wines.
Well balanced. Flavorful with by itself but goes with meat and pasta dishes very well.
Well balanced. Flavorful with by itself but goes with meat and pasta dishes very well.
Jul 25th, 2016
Very good Merlot for the price. Taste of dark berries with a nice finish. Paired well Chillied pork tenderloin
Very good Merlot for the price. Taste of dark berries with a nice finish. Paired well Chillied pork tenderloin
Jun 23rd, 2016