St. Francis Merlot

St. Francis' interpretation of this varietal is a full and intense expression of the grape in a distinctive Sonoma style. The perfumed aromas of plummy black fruit and spicy herb and vanilla nuances are confirmed in the ripe, lush flavors. On the palate, the fruit is rich and full with hints of chocolate, set in a structure of generous, round tannins which are carried into the persistent, mouthfilling finish.The fruit is hand-harvested, brought to the winery and crushed into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. When the tanks are two-thirds to three-quarters full, the must is inoculated with selected yeasts and yeast nutrient. Fermentation takes place at temperatures of up to 85° to 90°F over a period of eight to 15 days, and once fermentation is underway, the juice is pumped over the cap of skins three times daily for a half hour each to extract maximum color. Toward the end of the alcoholic fermentation, a culture is introduced to initiate the malolactic fermentation; the wi