2005 Franciscan Merlot Napa Valley
| Vintage: | 2005 |
| Wine Type: | Red Wine |
| Varietal: | Merlot |
| Appellation: | Napa Valley |
| Aging: | 35% French oak and 65% American oak, 27% new |
| Alcohol %: | 13.5 |
| Tasting Notes: | 100% Merlot Deep ruby red intensity with crimson accents. Complex and layered aromas of black plum and currants, vanilla, sage, and peppercorn, and sweet notes of toasty oak. Round, full-bodied palate with vibrant dark cherry fruit, sweet herbs and silky mouthfeel. Very supple and elegant, the finely knit tannins highlight bold fruit and sweet tobacco notes, giving a velvety finish. |
| Ratings: | The Wine News - December / January 2008-09 "Other Outstanding Merlots"
The Wine News - July 24, 2008
Sunset Magazine - January 2010 |
| Awards: | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Silver Medal |
| Vineyard Notes: | Franciscan’s Merlot grows in the cooler half of Napa Valley, from the winery’s estate in the heart of the Oakville District on south to vineyards in Carneros. These cooler vineyards give more vibrant flavors and denser structure to the wine - two qualities that are critical to growing outstanding Merlot. In the winery, each vineyard block is kept separate through the winemaking process, allowing each lot the time and care necessary to reach its full expression, like a collection of limited release wines. Finally, each small lot is carefully blended to craft Franciscan's signature style - plush, rich and vibrant, yet with supple tannins and texture. |
Tasting Notes:
100% Merlot
Deep ruby red intensity with crimson accents. Complex and layered aromas of black plum and currants, vanilla, sage, and peppercorn, and sweet notes of toasty oak. Round, full-bodied palate with vibrant dark cherry fruit, sweet herbs and silky mouthfeel. Very supple and elegant, the finely knit tannins highlight bold fruit and sweet tobacco notes, giving a velvety finish.
Ratings:
The Wine News - December / January 2008-09
"Other Outstanding Merlots"
The Wine News - July 24, 2008
Rated 90 points
"Pale garnet hue. Complex scents of wild cherry, vanilla and chocolate with a hint of dust and sweet tobacco. Full, refined tannins and ripe flavors of raspberry and wild cherry. Hints of vanilla and white chocolate in the raspberry-spiked close. "
Sunset Magazine - January 2010
5 Top Merlot Picks
"Aromatic forest aromas surround minty berries and black cherries, with a touch of soft cocoa."
Awards:
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Silver Medal
Vineyard Notes:
Franciscan’s Merlot grows in the cooler half of Napa Valley, from the winery’s estate in the heart of the Oakville District on south to vineyards in Carneros. These cooler vineyards give more vibrant flavors and denser structure to the wine - two qualities that are critical to growing outstanding Merlot. In the winery, each vineyard block is kept separate through the winemaking process, allowing each lot the time and care necessary to reach its full expression, like a collection of limited release wines. Finally, each small lot is carefully blended to craft Franciscan's signature style - plush, rich and vibrant, yet with supple tannins and texture.
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