DELICIOUS FROM ST. FRANCIS

[Jerry D Mead]

BEST BUY
RED WINE OF THE WEEK
St. Francis 1996 "Sonoma Old Vines" Zinfandel ($20) Wonderful! Very ripe, but not overripe, blackberry and plum fruit, with brambley, earthy undertones. Big and bold enough for fans of the Zin monsters, yet friendly and balanced enough to please the claret crowd. Rating: 96/90
St. Francis wines have broad national distribution, but are more likely to be found at fine wine shops and restaurants than at supermarkets. For help tracking down the more limited reserve wines, contact the winery directly: St. Francis Vineyards, 8450 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, CA 95452 (800) 543-7713; E-mail: stfrancis@msn.com