Description
St. Francis 2000 Old Vines Zinfandel
Sonoma Valley, California
When we say "old vines", we mean vines at least fifty, and often up to a hundred years old. We've found a series of small vineyards in Sonoma County that date back to the turn of the last century. Because of their great age, these plots yield less than four tons per acre of exceptionally concentrated fruit. Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet vines planted among the Zinfandel add texture and color to the field blend.
"We had harvest late, so that some of the grapes have become raisins, further intensifying the varietal flavors. Once crushed, the wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks for twelve to eighteen days, then aged in new American oak barrels from twelve to fifteen months. The wine is held another four to eight months after bottling. This is a plump, layered Zin with complex black cherry, raspberry, and black pepper flavors that unfold on the palate."
St. Francis 2000 Merlot
Sonoma Valley, California
Grown in loam, clay, and volcanic soil mixed with gravel, the 100% Merlot grapes in this wine are particularly intense. All come from Sonoma County, and most from one of St. Francis' three estate vineyards in the Sonoma Valley, with micro-climates ranging from the hillsides of the Mayacamas Mountains to the cooler 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 eighteen months. Bottled without filtration, it is held an additional eight months before release.
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 and herbs and other robust flavors.
