A while back I took part in an online tasting and 2008 Franciscan Estate Napa Valley Magnificat Meritage Red was one of the selections. The other two were a Hahn Pinot Noir and a Garnet Pinot Noir. The Franciscan Estate selection stood out the most for me.
Franciscan Estate was founded in 1973 and purchased by Justin Meyer in 1975 and is located in the Oakville area of Napa. The wine is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec. Aged in French oak barrels for 20 months, 70% new barrels. This is their 24th vintage of the Magnificat named after the Mozart tune.
The wine had many layers of aromas. Layers of coffee, mocha, cedar, vanilla and spice filled the glass. Nicely balanced and full bodied with dark fruit, black cherry, blackberry dance smoothly on your palate. There was a hint of pepper and chocolate notes on the finish.
The wine’s SRP is $50 but I am sure you can find if for around $35. It makes for a nice dinner party wine.
