Franciscan Estate Magnificat Meritage – Marvelous!

[Check out the review of the current vintage here: Franciscan Estate Magnificat Napa Valley Meritage 2009 – Magnificent Magnificat.]

69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec from Napa Valley, California.

SRP of $50 but available for as low as $25. Normally this would be a Saturday Splurge but we actually spotted it for $19.99. Sample received courtesy Franciscan Estate for review purposes.

From the bottle:

“To create Magnificat, we begin with our finest lots from our Estate and other select vineyards then craft a blend as seamless and harmonious as the Bach masterpiece it honors in name. This 2008 blend, our 24th vintage of Magnificat, was aged for 20 months in oak and shows layered aromas of cassis and plum, with alluring ripe black fruit flavors and hints of vanilla and spice.

14.5% Alcohol”

We’re a big fan of Meritage here at The Reverse Wine Snob. If you remember, Meritage is the name given to Bordeaux style blends from the U.S. (mostly California). Unfortunately the price tag of these wines usually pushes them out of our consideration, especially when they are from Napa Valley. One look at the $50 SRP of today’s wine and we would usually dismiss it, but as it turns out it is possible to get this for about half that price.

The 2008 Franciscan Estate Napa Valley Magnificat Meritage begins with really delightful aromas of blackberry, plum, cedar, vanilla, caramel, spice and chocolate. Wow. Tasting this bold wine reveals a great smooth mouthfeel along with a velvety texture. This is quite simply really delicious stuff, but do be sure to give it some time to breathe. It features succulent flavors of black cherry, black pepper, licorice and vanilla. The finish is quite dry, has good length and leaves you with some lingering chocolate notes. Marvelous!

Buy this wine online from our featured sponsor Marketview Liquor or see a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

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