St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Sonoma County Claret 2017

Certified Sustainable, Organic or Biodynamic Green Certified

Region: America / California / Sonoma County
Grapes: 58% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec

Overview / 2018 / 2017 / 2015 / 2014

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Claret is the British-inspired term for an elegant red blend of classic Bordeaux varietals, in this case: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. 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, 20% new. The wines are aged 16 months in barrel before final blending and bottling.

89 Points

Wine Spectator

2014 vintage

90 Points

Wine Enthusiast

2014 vintage

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harvest note

The 2017 growing season started out wet with record-breaking rainfall refreshing our vineyards after several dry years. The mild spring led to timely bud break and good fruit set, followed by ideal conditions of cool mornings and warm, sunny days throughout the summer months. Our first grapes of the season were “blessed” on August 25, officially beginning the St. Francis harvest. A few days of intense heat at the beginning of September sped up ripening throughout the region. Well-timed picks throughout the month meant the majority of fruit was in by the first week of October. Beautiful color, well-defined aromatics and outstanding flavor are all evident in this year’s vintage.

tasting note

This medium-bodied wine shows off generous aromas of dark cherry, wild berries, tea leaf and fresh sage. Bright and vibrant flavors of cassis, juicy plum and cherry compote along with a hint of savory five-spice are beautifully balanced with dusty tannins and a long, smooth finish.

technical data

GRAPES: 58% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 16 months, French oak
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 0.23 g/100ml

points of distinction

Made from our Certified Sustainable Estate Vineyards & top growers in Sonoma County
Gently de-stemmed before cold-soaking for two days to extract optimal color & flavor
Fruit is fermented in separate lots before being aged in French oak barrels, 20% new

vineyard details +
- Sonoma County
  Sonoma County extends over 60,000 acres of vineyards and includes 15 unique AVAs, including Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley, Alexander Valley, Bennett Valley, Carneros, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile and Russian River Valley. More than 50 grape varieties are planted in vineyards owned by over 750 growers and 260 wineries. Maritime-influenced conditions make this area notably cooler than Napa, further inland, and a multitude of beneficial soil types make Sonoma County a prime area for high quality wine growing.
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.

“Select grapes grown on Sonoma's finest vineyards, tended for intensity of flavor and aroma, handpicked and sorted to ensure that only the best are fermented and aged in French oak, will yield a wine of both richness and balance.”

– Chris Louton, Winemaker