St Francis Merlot

St Francis Merlot is a 100% Merlot red wine from Sonoma County, California, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. A multiple gold medal winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition — including golds for its 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2023 vintages — this expression consistently demonstrates the depth and complexity that Sonoma County Merlot can achieve.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Sonoma County, California  |  Varietal: 100% Merlot  |  Producer: St. Francis Winery

Production & Heritage

St. Francis Winery farms over 600 acres of estate vineyards spread across Sonoma County, each site selected for its distinct soil profile and mesoclimate. The grapes for this Merlot are hand harvested, cold soaked to extract color and primary fruit character, and then fermented in separate lots using a combination of pump-overs and rack-and-return techniques. The wine matures in oak barrels, gaining structure and spice complexity while preserving the generous fruit character that defines the estate's approach. This "tapestry of terroirs" philosophy — matching specific vineyard blocks to the variety — gives St. Francis complete control from vine to bottle and remains the foundation of their quality program.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Cassis and ripe plum lead the nose, layered with dried currant and a thread of espresso. Beneath the fruit, subtle vanilla and spicy herb notes emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is smooth and fruit-forward, with dark berry flavors that broaden across the mid-palate into bittersweet chocolate and red cherry. Full, strong black fruit takes center stage at peak intensity, supported by round, generous tannins and a medium-to-full body that carries real weight without heaviness.

Finish: Long and vibrant, with lingering notes of savory spice and cocoa. The tannins stay soft and resolved through the close, leaving a clean, satisfying impression.

How to Drink St Francis Merlot

This Merlot rewards time in the glass — pour it into a large-bowled red wine glass and let it breathe for 15 to 20 minutes before the first sip to fully reveal its layered aromatics. Serve at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F. While Merlot is traditionally a food wine, the fruit density here also makes it a strong cocktail base: try it in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) for a surprisingly balanced casual serve, a New York Sour where the dark berry profile floats beautifully over bourbon, or a classic Red Wine Sangria where the chocolate and plum notes meld naturally with citrus and brandy.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring grilled red meats or hearty pasta dishes
• Introducing a red wine drinker to quality Sonoma County Merlot
• Bringing a reliable, award-winning bottle to a dinner party
• Building a California varietal tasting flight alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel

Frequently Asked Questions

What does St Francis Merlot taste like? St Francis Merlot is a medium-to-full-bodied red wine dominated by dark berry, espresso bean, and bittersweet chocolate flavors, with a long, spice-accented finish. Its round tannins and generous fruit make it approachable yet layered.

How does St Francis Merlot compare to Argentinian Malbec? Both wines share a lush, fruit-forward profile built on dark plum and berry flavors with cocoa undertones, but St Francis Merlot tends toward espresso and savory spice notes rather than Malbec's characteristic floral lift. The tannin structure in the St Francis is rounder and softer, giving it a silkier mid-palate feel.

Is St Francis Merlot good for beginners? Yes — its approachable fruit sweetness, soft tannins, and lack of aggressive acidity make it an excellent entry point into Sonoma County reds. The chocolate and berry flavors are immediately recognizable and inviting to new wine drinkers.

Where is St Francis Merlot made? St Francis Merlot is produced by St. Francis Winery in Sonoma County, California, using fruit sourced from the winery's 600 acres of estate vineyards across the region. Each vineyard site is chosen for its unique soil and mesoclimate characteristics.

What foods pair well with St Francis Merlot? Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's dark fruit and spice; mushroom risotto mirrors its earthy, savory depth; aged cheddar or Gouda complement its chocolate undertones; beef short ribs match the full body and round tannins; and dark chocolate desserts echo the espresso and cocoa finish.

What sizes does St Francis Merlot come in? St Francis Merlot is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is St Francis Merlot worth the price? St Francis Merlot positions as a mid-range Sonoma County red that consistently overdelivers for its tier, as evidenced by its repeated gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. For estate-grown, hand-harvested Sonoma Merlot, it represents strong value relative to similarly sourced wines from the region.

Why St Francis Merlot?

Few Sonoma County Merlots at this price tier can claim multiple gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition across nearly a decade of vintages — the 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2023 all earned gold or Best of Class recognition. That consistency stems directly from St. Francis's estate vineyard model, where 600 acres of owned land give the winemaking team uncommon control over fruit quality and lot selection. The combination of cold soaking, separate lot fermentation, and oak maturation produces a Merlot with genuine complexity — not just fruit, but layered espresso, chocolate, and spice character that rewards attention. In a category where Merlot is often dismissed as simple, this bottling makes a compelling argument for Sonoma County as one of the variety's strongest American homes.