Winery - Franciscan
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Fruity and oaky, a likeable Chard that satisfies for its array of peach, pear, spice, smoke and vanilla aromas and flavors and creamy texture. But it could use more oomph.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
So filled with sweet cocoa, it’s almost like liquid milk chocolate, poured over ripe black cherries and sprinkled with vanilla. Oak adds a toasty edge. This dry wine is as luscious as the California sun could make it.
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Franciscan Merlot - 2001
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Spicy blackberry and cherry notes are framed in smoky, tarry oak. Tannins are ripe and smooth, though the finish is a little tart.
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Franciscan Merlot - 1999
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Plush toast and butterscotch aromas kick this one off, with a deep, rich follow-up of melon, citrus, apple, peach, pear, herb and mineral flavors. Quite luscious and compelling, with a substantial finish. —J.M.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Basically good, with jammy berry flavors, but ultimately clumsy, especially for the price. Shows overripe fruit and green tannins. Feels sharp toward the finish. Not going anywhere, so drink up.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Franciscan helped pioneer the use of wild or indigenous yeasts years ago, hence the name, and whether that technique makes better wines is debatable. Still, the level of Cuvée Sauvage has been generally high. The ’05 reflects the cool balance of the vintage, with ripe peach, pear, mango and oaky-butterscotch flavors accompanied by crisp balancing acidity.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Not on par with the past several vintages, the ‘04 Magnificat shows a tannic toughness, alcoholic heat, and slightly stewed currant flavors. Drink now.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Ripe in blackcurrant and cherry fruit, with a rustic edge to the texture, this dry wine is at its best now. Despite the edgy mouthfeel, it does show fine Napa tannins and acids.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A wine in fine balance, it lays nicely in the glass. Sharp acidity is short-lived, giving way to the right amounts of clean California fruit and oak. An excellent workmanlike Chardonnay, with a quality that allows it to compete with some higher-priced wines.
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