Franciscan Winery
Merlot
Napa Valley
Rutherford, California, USA
2005
13.5%
$17.99 -- HEB, Austin, TX
Color: Dark garnet
Nose: Sour plum, raspberry, cherry cola
Body: Medium to full
Front: Ripe plum
Middle: Orange, espresso
Back: Sage, soft but persistent tannins
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
There is a decent dose of oak in this wine, but I find it nicely balanced by the fruitiness. I've heard the Franciscan Merlot praised on various wino sites, and though I've often tasted it at the winery, I've never had a bottle before. It's good stuff, at a decent price, and went well with grilled veggies and ribeye. It would be hard to lose on this one, unless you despise tannins altogether.
