St. Francis Winery

Sonoma County Merlot

8.8143 ratings
9.713 pro ratings
Sonoma County, California, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Randy Fuller

This wine is quite dark in the glass. The nose brings a powerful whiff of dark fruit and earth, with a hint of smoke behind it. The palate offers a rich, full mouthfeel, with flavors of plum, blackberry, and black cherry out front. There is a mineral-laden earthiness to the taste, a savory herbal streak which always attracts me. The finish is medium long and serves as a reminder of the darkness in the sip. Tannins are semi-smooth and acidity is refreshing. The alcohol certainly doesn’t seem like it’s almost 15%.

This wine is quite dark in the glass. The nose brings a powerful whiff of dark fruit and earth, with a hint of smoke behind it. The palate offers a rich, full mouthfeel, with flavors of plum, blackberry, and black cherry out front. There is a mineral-laden earthiness to the taste, a savory herbal streak which always attracts me. The finish is medium long and serves as a reminder of the darkness in the sip. Tannins are semi-smooth and acidity is refreshing. The alcohol certainly doesn’t seem like it’s almost 15%.

Sep 18th, 2024
Sipping Fine Wine

Deep Ruby with aromas of ripe berry fruits with spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and blackberry with cacao, licorice and spicy herb notes. Fine tight tannins, medium finish ending with juicy fruit and herb spice character. Drink now, no aging benefit!

Deep Ruby with aromas of ripe berry fruits with spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and blackberry with cacao, licorice and spicy herb notes. Fine tight tannins, medium finish ending with juicy fruit and herb spice character. Drink now, no aging benefit!

Sep 25th, 2023
Sean Sims

Wow, wow, wow. This is nice. Fruit forward with a long after taste

Wow, wow, wow. This is nice. Fruit forward with a long after taste

1 person found it helpfulJan 25th, 2022
Jack Russell

Owner/Vineyardist Trolley Line Vineyards

9.8

Very nice

Very nice

1 person found it helpfulSep 24th, 2014
Paul Masson

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Mar 6th, 2013
Neal Ferry

Excellent with combo pizza

Excellent with combo pizza

Dec 7th, 2022
Ted
8.8

Lots of ripe plums, chocolate. Good stuff.

Lots of ripe plums, chocolate. Good stuff.

Nov 5th, 2022
Anne

USA. Red. California.
Peppery and oaky. Too much smoky oak for my taste, could taste alcohol (14.8%) more than fruit. But, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others. It’s a quality merlot, just not my thing. Pretty dark beet red color. I’ve learned I just prefer old world complexity, especially the dark, very fruit-forward red wines. Had with pizza, a good pairing.

USA. Red. California.
Peppery and oaky. Too much smoky oak for my taste, could taste alcohol (14.8%) more than fruit. But, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others. It’s a quality merlot, just not my thing. Pretty dark beet red color. I’ve learned I just prefer old world complexity, especially the dark, very fruit-forward red wines. Had with pizza, a good pairing.

May 5th, 2020
AD
9.3

Well balanced, mildly fruity, with more depth than a typical Merlot

Well balanced, mildly fruity, with more depth than a typical Merlot

Nov 5th, 2019
Charles Maimone

Passed its prime. My fault 😔

Passed its prime. My fault 😔

Aug 21st, 2019