2015 Franciscan Meritage Magnificat

2015 Franciscan Meritage Magnificat

2015 Franciscan Meritage Magnificat, Bordeaux Red Blend from Napa Valley,California

2015 Is A 97pt Napa Vintage SAVE 42% Free Case Shipping!

Winemaker: Beautiful nose of ripe, perfumed cherry, with notes of vanilla, dark berry, sandalwood, and crème brûlée. Rich and inviting with a soft and full entry. Mouth-filling with a velvety texture of dark berry fruit, notes of black plum, cassis and mocha. Delicious supple tannins; the smooth finish lingers with notes of ripe cherry fruit, toasty oak notes and bittersweet chocolate on the finish. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec

A red Bordeaux blend is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with smaller portions of Malbec and Petit Verdot (and very occasionally, Carménère).

Many American culinary traditions are borrowed from the French (omelette anyone?), and wine making is no exception. The most popular grapes in the United States (Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon) are both French varieties, and many of the techniques practiced in the States were learned from French winemakers. So, it’s not a surprise that we would create a wine blend and name it after the blends’ place of origin, if for no other reason than to don respect.

Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

Franciscan is one of Napa Valley’s most venerable wineries, reaching back more than three decades. Franciscan wines take their signature style – rich, vibrant flavors framed by supple tannins – from the ideal climate offered by Napa Valley’s cool, southern half and from the time-honored tradition of small-lot winemaking, blending from hundreds of barrels to craft fine wines that fully express the classic Bordeaux varieties.