The first time I had a wine from Franciscan was actually a few years ago while living in Las Vegas! While enjoying a wine pairing dinner at the Stratosphere’s Top of the World Restaurant, one of the courses was paired with the Franciscan Chardonnay. Normally, not a huge fan of white wines in general, I instantly fell in love with it’s unique flavor. It had the buttery flavor of a Chardonnay but it was very fruit forward. The memory of that wine stayed with me and I made sure to visit Franciscan on my next trip to Napa.
Franciscan is located in Oakville, right on Highway 29. Founded over 30 years ago, Raymond Duncan and Justin Meyer were there for the beginning of this Napa stronghold, with the 1975 Cabernet Sauvignon. Agustin Huneeus became involved in 1985, concentrating on a commitment to small lot wine making and introducing their Bordeaux style blend, the Magnifcant. Another two years later Franciscan made more headlines by producing the Cuve Sauvage, the first Napa Chardonnay produced fermented with wild yeast. Today, Janet Myers is Franciscan’s winemaker and has excelled in staying true to their signature: bold wines with rare combination of rich, vibrant flavors yet fine, supple texture. Working with Mondavi and other leading vintners around the world, she has brought that knowledge to Franciscan, creating some incredible wines. Some of my favorites: 2006 NAPA VALLEY CHARDONNAY (Rated 89 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine)
- Appearance: Pale lemon yellow
- Aroma: Pretty stone fruit and ripe pear, with lemon peel notes. Layered aromas with enticing minerality, hints of cream and vanilla, and crisp apple undertones.
Brett and I in the Franciscan Tasting Room - Flavor: Fresh and lively, yet good richness and body. Layered flavors of lemon and golden delicious apple, pineapple, and toasted oak. The round mid-palate extends to a lingering crisp finish and bright citrus flavors, minerals and sweet oak.
- Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Appellation: Napa Valley
- Oak Aging: 8 months sur lee, French and American Oak
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Release Date: December 1, 2007
- Retail: $18.00 USD
2007 SAUVIGNON BLANC (Rated 83 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine)
- Appearance: Pale Yellow
- Aroma: Citrus, melon, and fig
- Flavor: Fresh and lively. Vibrant, layered flavors of lime, lemongrass and melon with hints of minerality on a crisp, elegant finish.
- Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Appellation: Napa Valley
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Release Date: March 1, 2008
- Retail: $17 USD
Franciscan Winery 1178 Galleron Lane, St. Helena, CA (707)967-3830 10am-5pm Different tasting flights available, but plan for at least $15. There are discount coupons online and at Franciscan’s website.
