Winemaker Notes
Harvest for this late ripening varietal takes place from October through early November. The grapes are hand-harvested and crushed into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Fermentation takes place over a period of eight to fifteen days. The different lots are racked into new and one year old American and three year old French oak barrels for an aging period of 14 to 16 months. At the end of the aging process the blend is assembled without filtration. The wine is then bottled and held for four to eight months prior to release.
St. Francis' winemaker, Tom Mackey has created a Cabernet of classsic Sonoma style emphasizing rich varietal character and body. The structure is firm and well-balanced, with excellent depth and supple generous tannins.
While Sonoma County is acclaimed—and rightfully so—for its Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Zinfandels, it also produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Of the region’s 18 American Viticultural Areas, only a handful produce top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon. These appellations include Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignons made in these appellations can offer a complex array of aromas and flavors. Fruit notes such as blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry and raspberry often are accompanied by hints of graphite, dusty earth, cigar box, toast and vanilla. The varietal has a rich history in Sonoma, and some of these Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-based blends rival the best from Napa Valley.