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94 Points | Jeb Dunnuk | Apr 2018
92 Points | Wine & Spirits Magazine | Nov 2018
Gold Medal | Sonoma County Harvest Fair | Sept 2018
Gold Medal | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition | Jan 2018
90+ Points | Wine Advocate| Aug 2018
Tasting Notes
Rich and full-bodied this Cabernet delivers layered aromas of black licorice, vanilla bean, sweet tobacco, and graham cracker followed by concentrated flavors of dark Bing cherry, wild berry compote, and allspice. Structured yet silky on the palate, the finish is lengthy and vibrant.
Vintage Notes
2015 brought an early and light harvest that began on August 10, the earliest date in St. Francis’ history. The year started out very warm and dry but then cool, damp weather in May hampered fruit set. Though the result was smaller, looser clusters on the vine, the warm and consistent summer that followed produced high-quality fruit with exceptional aromatics and concentrated flavors.
Vineyard Notes
The fruit for our Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is grown at high elevations on sloped hillsides with good drainage. Climbing as high as 1400 feet along the sun-drenched, western-facing slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, the fruit sits well above the fog line. Naturally protected from the wind, dry hot days combine with bracingly cold nights which puts an element of stress on the vines resulting in small clusters, small berries, and intensified flavors.
Winemaker Notes
The grapes were hand-sorted and underwent a two-day cold soak prior to fermentation to extract optimal color and flavor. After primary fermentation, the wine was then aged in French oak barrels, 75% new, where it underwent malolactic fermentation, followed by 20 months of aging.
