Shop

<b>About the Wine</b><br> Our 2021 California Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold red wine with a big presence. Aromas of black tea, clove and anise radiate from the glass, revealing notes of blackberry and black plum. A rich layer of toasted caramel, shaved chocolate and toasted coconut underscore the fruit characteristics, leading to a long, decadent finish. Cabernet pairs beautifully with hearty meat, like filet mignon and herb-dusted standing rib roast. <br><br> <b>Viticulture Notes</b><br> The 2021 growing season was dry with budbreak in early March. Harvest began in mid- September. The resulting grapes were picked at the optimal ripeness while still maintaining their natural acidity. Fruit from this harvest boasted beautiful complexity and flavor characteristics. <br><br> <b>Winemaking Notes</b><br> Grapes were harvested in cool, early morning hours. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were destemmed and lightly crushed before undergoing a multi-day cold soak to gently extract flavor and color. Fermentation occurred at moderate temperatures with 10-14 days of skin contact. The wine was aged on a mix of French and American oak.

An appealing, fruit-forward taste of the bright, plush and generous Franciscan California Sauvignon Blanc 2021 style. The delightfully crisp and refreshing palate offers citrusy notes of ripe grapefruit and lime zest, layered with rich, smooth hints of juicy peach, guava and pineapple. Subtle suggestions of white florals and vibrant green apple add wonderful texture and lift to the wine, which finishes with a bight flourish. Enjoy this share-worthy wine alongside bright green salads, fresh vegetables or zesty grilled seafood dishes. <br><br> <b>VINTAGE NOTES</b><br> An exceptional 2021 growing season gave us mature, well-balanced fruit and generous, flavorful wines. The season was smooth, consistent and evenly paced, with dry, temperate conditions persisting from late winter until harvest. We picked our Sauvignon Blanc grapes early in the season, allowing us to capture crisp, vibrant fruit expression. Grapes came into the cellar showing beautiful concentration, advanced flavor development and ideal structure at lower-than-usual Brix levels. Overall, an outstanding vintage.

Our bold and bright Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc opens with generous aromas of grapefruit, lime and white florals. The delightfully crisp palate brings notes of fresh-cut Meyer lemon, white peach and juicy pear, with tropical hints of guava, lychee and crushed pineapple adding depth. A refreshing, lifted finish makes this wine an ideal choice for pairing with seasonal green salads, bright seafood dishes or zesty grilled chicken.

<b>ABOUT FRANCISCAN</b><br> Founded in 1972 as an homage to the Friars who brought old world viticulture to California, Franciscan wines remain a distinct pleasure – complex and vibrant, yet supple and lingering. We strive to over deliver in all phases of the tasting experience. Our Magnificat Meritage is a rich and harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc inspired by (and named for) a J.S. Bach masterpiece. <br><br> <b>VINTAGE NOTES</b><br> The 2018 growing season began with plentiful winter rains that gave to a consistently warm and steady that eased into a mild-Fall, resulting in a slightly later harvest that delivered beautifully developed fruit with marked complexity. <br><br> <b>TASTING NOTES</b><br> The wine is composed primarily with Napa Valley’s most renowned variety, Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing a mouth-filling palate marked by black currant, blackberry, fig and complex spice notes. This is balanced by 8% Malbec, which adds layers of dried fruit and leather as well as enhances the richness and structure of the wine. An addition of 3% Cabernet Franc contributes complexity and brightness with suggestions of cranberry and raspberry, underscored with hints of thyme and herbs. The beautiful, round palate is supported by fine-grained tannins that add appealing texture to this persistent, lengthy wine.

The wine opens with aromatic notes of black cherry and dark plum with appealing undertones of clove and vanilla. The velvet-smooth palate adds blackberry, dark fruit and chocolate characteristics, which blend with complex hints of cedar and toasted oak. Fine tannins impart texture and length on the finish. Enjoy this Cabernet Sauvignon alongside hearty, rich meats, like ribeye steak, roasted lamb, pork chops and grilled gourmet burgers.

Our smooth, rich, and delightful 2019 Chardonnay offers a beautifully expressive taste of Monterey County on California’s scenic Central Coast. Generous aromas of freshly baked apple galette lift from the glass. Distinctive notes of ripe pear, Meyer lemon, light florals, and pineapple open on the plush palate, complemented by flavorful hints of vanilla and nutmeg, underscored by subtle suggestions of buttery toast. This easy-going wine offers brightness and balance, perfect for sipping on its own or paired with cheese and fruit, pasta with white sauce or barbecued chicken.