Napa Valley Uncorked: 2008 Franciscan Magnificat Meritage
This the first review was written entirely via my iPhone, using the Blogger app I just downloaded. So we shall see how it goes. In the spotlight, for my wine of interest, this time is the Franciscan 2008 Magnificat.
This wine was a sample sent for the review process. It has an SRP of $50, it sells at most places for just under $30, but the rumor of this wine selling under $20 is misleading at best. I scored this wine 90 points and can recommend it to you highly. Suave and sophisticated are the keywords here.
A Bordeaux [aka Meritage] style blend consisting of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and finally a few drops of Petit Verdot and Malbec. A wine aged for 20 months in 2nd use French oak barrels. This wine has boatloads of finesse and flavor, an hour in the decanter is recommended for maximum enjoyment.
The nose is crazy inviting, it just lures you in like a big-mouth bass on a spinner. Notes of dried herbs, vanilla, ripe plum, and licorice are just a preview of the coming attractions. On the palate, this wine is not shy about toasted oak and espresso but there is plenty of vibrant acidity to keep it all on balance. Sweet plum and fig join the chorus, with a few wisecracks from other dark fruits. The tannins are well integrated and nearly seamless and the finish while a bit dry sails on and on.
This wine is drinking very nicely now and will continue to do so over the next few years. I found it to be a very polished wine, with layers to it, only to be uncovered by decanting. Until next time folks remember life is short, compromise is for relationships, continue to sip long and prosper cheers!
Comments