St. Francis Chardonnay 1996

St. Francis' Reserve Chardonnay is produced primarly from our estate vineyard which is located in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. While our estate vineyard provides the structure and the backbone of the wine, the addition of grapes from nearby vineyards provide the tropical fruit notes and acidity for balance. We harvest at full ripeness to ensure intensity and concentration of flavors. The wine is then fermented in new French oak barrels with a 100% malolactic treatment. The wine is aged for 9 months, with an occasional stirring of the lees. After the aging process, only the best barrels read more...are selected for our final Reserve blend. St. Francis Reserve Chardonnay shows a penetrating aromatic bouquet of ripe tropical and exotic fruits marked by a fragance of new oak and vanilla. On the palate the fruit flavors are fully concentrated with a buttery mouthfilling texture supported by balanced acidity and firm structure.    (hide)

St. Francis Sonoma County Chardonnay is produced from our estate grapes and blended with grapes from other nearby vineyards. The wine is fermented in different lots, some in new oak barrels and the balance in stainless steel tanks. A portion of the lots undergo malolactic fermentation. After aging for six months the barrel and tank lots are blended and the wine is bottled. The barrel component adds a toasty complex character while the tank component adds the fruity grape notes. St. Francis winemaker, Tom Mackey says, Our Sonoma County Chardonnay is styled to be crisp, with a fresh expression read more...of the varietal classic Sonoma character. The fruit and melon aromas are offset by a slight oak and vanilla note which carries on the palate. The fruit flavors are ripe, varietal medium to full-bodied while the acidity acts to balance the mouth feel. The finish is rich and persistent carrying the balance of fruit, grape acidity and oak.    (hide)

Rating: 86/100 - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 118 on Aug-98

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator