At a glance

Producer

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Region

Sonoma County, California, USA

Grape variety

Merlot

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$14-$19 USD

Tasting profile

Ripe black cherry and plum flavors with hints of mocha, vanilla, and subtle oak spice. Smooth, approachable, and fruit-driven.

Evolution: Will hold fruit profile for 2-3 years, but little complexity develops; will gradually lose brightness after 3-4 years.

At peak: At peak in the first 2-3 years post-release, offering optimal freshness and fruit intensity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium, balanced for a round mouthfeel

Tannins

Soft to moderate tannins

Alcohol

Typical California Merlot levels, ~13.5-14.5%

Aging potential

Minimal; best consumed young to preserve fruit freshness.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

1 to 3

Optimal window

4

Current status

Ready to drink now; this non-vintage Merlot is crafted for immediate enjoyment and does not benefit from extended aging.

Current condition

Fresh and vibrant, in prime drinking condition upon purchase.

Non-vintage Merlots at this price and production scale are designed for early consumption, not aging; fruit and softness are at their peak when the wine is young.

Food pairing

Pair with roasted poultry, grilled pork, pasta with tomato sauce, pizza, or light cheeses. Malty and supple structure suits weeknight meals.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Energy-efficient winery operations, water conservation strategies, cover cropping, wildlife corridors, sustainable pest management, recyclable packaging.

St. Francis Winery participates in Sonoma County's Sustainability Certification, showing a clear commitment to environmentally conscious farming and winemaking. While not fully organic or biodynamic, the winery engages in significant land stewardship and resource management, making it a strong choice among moderately priced mainstream California wines.