Merlot • St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
Merlot, Sonoma County

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Tasting Notes

This Merlot shows off deep, rich color and structure. Layers of aromas and flavors of cassis, plum, dried currant and savory spices introduce a long, silky finish in this classic wine.

Vineyard Notes

The grapes in our Sonoma County Merlot come from our Certified Sustainable Estate Wild Oak vineyard, located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, as well as from top growers throughout the region. Merlot thrives in Sonoma’s picturesque valleys where warm days are cooled by evening breezes and fog from the Pacific Ocean. Each carefully selected vineyard contributes distinctive and individual qualities to the finished wine.

Winemaker Notes

All grapes are gently de-stemmed before cold-soaking for two days to extract optimal color and flavor. The fruit is fermented in separate lots, allowing each lot to be individually and distinctly crafted before being aged in French oak barrels. The wines are kept for approximately 16-18 months in barrel before final blending and bottling.

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2019 Merlot, Sonoma County

Accolades

91 Pts | Wine Enthusiast | August 2023
91 Pts | San Diego International Wine Competition | February 2023
Gold | San Diego International Wine Competition | February 2023
Gold | San Francisco Chronicle Competition | January 2023

Merlot, Sonoma County

2017 Merlot, Sonoma County

Accolades

93 Points | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | July 2020
92 Points | Sunset International Wine Competition | July 2020
Gold Medal | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | July 2020
Gold Medal | Sunset International Wine Competition | July 2020

Merlot, Sonoma County

2016 Merlot, Sonoma County

Accolades

94 Points | Sunset International Wine Competition | June 2019
Gold Medal | Sunset International Wine Competition | June 2019
Best of Class | Sunset International Wine Competition | June 2019

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Seasonal Mezze menu

These dishes are accompanied by a chef-curated 'secret' selection of our award-winning Sonoma County wines.

This is a sample menu. Items are subject to change.

Sweet

Apple & Golden Raisin Compote
Carrot, Cashew & Maple Spread 🥜

Sour/Acidic

Cranberry & Jalapeno Chutney
Whipped Ricotta with Lemon Curd 🥛 🥚

Rich/Fats & Oils

Creamy Brie with Orange & Honey 🥛
Pumpkin Pimento Cheese 🥛

Bitterness

Butternut Squash Hummus
Brussels Sprout & Labneh Dip 🥛

Allergen Key

🥛 Dairy    🥜 Nuts    🥚 Eggs

Seasonal pairing menu

This is a sample menu. Items are subject to change.

2025 Rosé
Sonoma County
– Paired With –
Albacore Ceviche 
Heirloom Tomato & Melon Gazpacho | Basil | Jalapeno  Cucumber | Fried Shallot

2023 Chardonnay 
Martinelli Vineyard, Russian River Valley 
– Paired With –
Sherry & Soy Glazed Mushrooms
Celeriac-Black Truffle Purée  | Herb Pangrattato 
Crunchy Garlic | Sunflower

2023 ‘Caro Santo’ Sangiovese 
Sonoma Valley
– Paired With –
Cavatelli & Smoked Sage Sausage 
Butternut Squash & Tomato Sugo | Roasted Peppers  Parmesan 

2022 Cabernet Sauvignon 
Rockpile 
– Paired With –
Grilled Hanger Steak & Braised Shoulder Croquette
Yukon Gold Mousseline | Red Wine Braised Cabbage 
Beef Demiglace 

2022 Port
Sonoma County
– Paired With –
Toasted Coconut Panna Cotta 
Blackberry Gelee | Chocolate Crumble