1997 St. Francis Merlot Reserve

[winoweenie]

One of the best merlots in over a year. Deep brite ruby. Lots of floral notes, heavy on the roses, with loads of red fruits and vanilla. The entry is seamless and a strong center, with a solid 3&3/4 lapper finish. This wine shows the best Sonoma County can produce in the Merlot varietal. 89/88. 38 by the box.14.5% alc. WW

[Bucko]

That's an oak bomb for me.

[winoweenie]

The oak has blended in very nicely with the ageing process as it should have. Lovewly bottle. WW

[winoweenie]

Opened another last nite. Broke my once-a-day bottle rule. Still a commanding, weighty merlot that has some life-span ahead. No scoring change.WW