St. Francis Red 2006

A Merlot with real elegance. This is fully dry, with firm, furry tannins, showing black cherry and currant flavors that are transforming into dried fruits and sweet leather. Could develop for a few more years.

A varietal classic with distinctive Sonoma County style, it has strong black fruit, spicy herb, and vanilla overtones, which give way to full fruit on the palate, nuanced with chocolate. Its round, generous tannins give it a big finish. A wine with exceptional Sonoma fruit and softer tannins, this Merlot marries well with fish prepared with garlic, herbs and other robust flavors.

Sure, therersquo;s a lot of oak on the nose, but itrsquo;s not unattractive, featuring menthol, cedar and vanilla. The sexy, creamy mouthfeel carries modest black cherry flavors through to the finish, where the flavors revert back to oak all the way. Well made, just heavy-handed with the lumber.

Tight and compact, with a green edge to the moderately ripe currant and blackberry fruit, and firm tannins. Perhaps time will bring it around. Best from 2003 through 2008.

A surprisingly dense wine, this Merlot displays unmistakable aromasof black cherry, chopped chocolate and pencil-lead. Flavors of ripe red fruit, spice box and reserved tannins create a lengthy finish.

St Francis Merlot Sonoma County is 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.

Rich and supple, showing coffee, roasted nut, menthol and black cherry flavors that persist on the smooth finish. Best from 2000 through 2005.