Stephen Brook: Very deep red. Voluptuous nose, with blackcurrant, as well as a conglomerate of berry fruit. So aromatically hedonistic and seductive that it almost seems a pity to taste the wine. Not surprisingly, the palate is almost thickly fruity but with fine concentration and good underlying acidity. There’s no jamminess, and an immensity of dark fruits is supported by ripe tannins. The persistence is admirable, but I would still want to enjoy this wine for its youthful exuberance rather than take a chance on cellaring it 18.5
Alex Hunt: Tending toward a more Cab-like style, all cassis fruit and mocha oak. Quite sweet and thick on the palate. It feels like a little more acidity would lift it. Effective enough but quite simple 14
Anthony Rose: Deep and vivid in color, this is a little mute and unyielding on the nose. The palate is full and powerful, with dark fruits that tend toward the dry and extracted on the finish, leaving you with the sensation of a rather chunky, foursquare wine that’s trying hard yet lacks charm in the final analysis.
Details
Wine expert | Anthony Rose Stephen Brook Alex Hunt |
Tastings year | 2011 |
Region | California |
Appellation | AVA |
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

