The St. Francis Winery label features their bell tower hinting
of another place and time, somewhere nostalgic. The winery is named after St.
Francis of Assisi, protector of the natural world. Following in St Francis of Assisi's ways the winery practices green methods of pest control, cooling,
lighting, bottling and even transportation.
The winery’s began in 1971 when Joe Martin purchased the Behler Ranch. At first the winery sold grapes to surrounding wineries. In 1979 began the winery began bottling their own wines.
The winery’s began in 1971 when Joe Martin purchased the Behler Ranch. At first the winery sold grapes to surrounding wineries. In 1979 began the winery began bottling their own wines.
St Francis Sonoma County Chardonnay is produced from grapes
grown on the winery’s Lagomarsino
Vineyard in Russian River Valley, as well as from growers in Sonoma County’s
other top appellations, including Sonoma Valley, Carneros and Alexander Valley.
Each vineyard is carefully selected for their contribution of distinctive and
individual qualities to the finished wine.
Grapes are picked during the September nights to preserve the wine’s delicate flavors, aromas and acidity. Grapes are pressed 100% whole cluster and fermented in different lots. Aging occurs for six months in 75% French oak barrels and 25% American oak barrels, with lees stirred by hand to achieve a rich mouthfeel.
Grapes are picked during the September nights to preserve the wine’s delicate flavors, aromas and acidity. Grapes are pressed 100% whole cluster and fermented in different lots. Aging occurs for six months in 75% French oak barrels and 25% American oak barrels, with lees stirred by hand to achieve a rich mouthfeel.
The aromas were a little closed and nothing really to brag
about. The flavor was a little one dimensional- being overpowered
by its acidity. If you concentrated you
could find it lightly oaky on the tongue with only a hint of the buttery taste
we crave in a good Chardonnay and a hint of honey in the finish. It seems to be
lacking the lees influence to bring out some creaminess the winery speaks of. The winery notes this wine can age for 2-3
years, but I think 3 years might have put it a little past its prime. For me this is
a forgettable wine.
Varietal: Chardonnay
Producer/Importer: St Francis
Region: Sonoma
County, California
Vintage: 2009
Price: $12
Tasting notes:
Sight (Color/Clarity): Yellow straw
Smell (bouquet, aroma): typical chardonnay
Taste
(acidity, balance, body): little to no buttery oak flavors, hint of honey, dry,
but spice-laced as chewed, overly acidic.
Bottle presentation:
Label description:
“Aromas of fresh melon combine with
hints of hazelnut and citrus. This medium-bodied Sonoma County Chardonnay
displays fresh flavors of butterscotch and pineapple, followed by crisp acidity
and a rich, lingering finish.”
Comparisons:
Overall rating
(1-10): 7
Date consumed:
February 9, 2012
Comments: Abv 14.2%
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