Region: America / California / Sonoma County

Claret is the traditional British term for Bordeaux, and this wine is made up of the classic red varieties of the region: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This blend changes with each vintage. Each variety is fermented separately and lots are kept separate for oak maturation, until blending takes place six months before bottling.

• vineyard details +
  • Sonoma County

    Sonoma Valley AVA is in southern Sonoma County, flanked by the Sonoma Mountains to the west and the Mayacamas to the east. The climate is moderated by the Pacific Ocean’s cool summer fogs and the influence of San Pablo Bay to the south. St. Francis owns 600 acres of carefully chosen, diverse Sonoma County vineyards. The winery’s estate vineyards give it complete control over growing and production, a cornerstone to St. Francis’ quality philosophy. Each of the four estate-owned vineyards has its own soil profile and unique mesoclimate that forms a “tapestry of terroirs” carefully matched to the grape varieties grown there.

• about the grape +
  • 
    Cabernet Sauvignon

    Cabernet Sauvignon is adaptable to various growing conditions, and is known for its low yield and late ripeness. It generally produces full-bodied wines with substantial acidity and tannins.

  • 
    Merlot

    Merlot makes plump, succulent wines to drink young or opulently massive wines for aging. Has silky, blackberry and currant fruit, with spice, earth, tobacco and chocolate notes, and soft tannins.