DATE: 4/13
PLACE: Home
WINERY: Franciscan
WINE: Magnificat
VARIETAL: Meritage
VINTAGE: 1997
PRICE: $32?
COLOR: Deep garnet to the rim.
BODY: Full
NOTES: Decanted 2.5 hours. Paired with braised lamb shank; basil and truffle mashed potatoes; and braised root vegetables. Very dense Oakville Cab. Intense nose of cocoa powder (Dutch process), chocolate covered cherries and cassis. Well-rounded dark fruit flavors with the proper balance of acidity. All in all, a terrific expression of Oakville Cab. Would hold its own against more recent releases of Mondavi Reserve. But not a long-term ager. Drinking very well now, and should hold on for 2-3 more years. Probably the best Magnificat made.
SCORE: 92 pts.