This is a more expensive wine, but as you surely expect by now, I bought it on sale. Anyway, I had high expectations for this one. The St. Francis winery is in Sonoma county, which sits next door to Napa. So close and yet so different, really. I've never been so amazed with soil as I am now really getting to see the difference it makes in the taste of wines. What's different over the hills in Sonoma from Napa? Not a stinkin' clue. I'll let you know if/when I find out.
So, this wine had that great velvety mouth feel that I tend to associate with more expensive ($20+) wines. I know, I am such a high roller. However, I must say I was a tad bit underwhelmed with it overall. I prejudged it to be a peer of favorites Robert Mondavi Cab and Franciscan Oakville Estate Cab -- both of which can usually be had for $25+ and are wonderful. It just didn't really do it for me. It tasted fine, don't get me wrong. It certainly wasn't bad. But for the money, I'm buying Mondavi or Franciscan.
If I knew more (that is, anything) I could speculate on whether this wine is just past its peak. It is an 06. I think the 08's are in their prime this year. At least for American wines. Am I wrong? Who knows. I am basing my guess here on reading about recently crowned winners...most of which are 08's. Must be their year to shine, right?
To sum up, won't buy this one again. At least not the same year. I might be willing to try a more recent year - especially if I see good reviews of it. Recommend you do the same!
Retails $20-$25. Bought locally on sale for $14.99.
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