Magnificat 2014 Red Blend, Napa Valley, Franciscan

Magnificat is one of the original Napa Valley Meritage wines. First created by winemaking legend, the late Andre Tchelistcheff. It's a harmonious "composition" of Bordeaux varietal grapes, hence the name which pays tribute to another famous "composition" by J.S. Bach. Full of balck cherry, plum and spice flavors this rich Cab-based beauty is a wine with baroque complexity and timeless appeal. From the excellent 2014 vintage this blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 2% Petite Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc aged 20 months in oak barrels, 70% new. It scored 96 points in Tasting Panel Magazine who said "The royal carmine hue makes this wine look all the more stately. First introduced in 1985, this Meritage blend continues to cast a spell and blends all five Bordeaux grape varieties. The mélange consists of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cab Franc from lots off the 240-acre Oakville Franciscan Estate vineyard. The wine spent 20 months in oak. The aromas triggered a mountain forest: sage, jasmine, truffle and cherry wood. I salute this particular vintage for its fleshy, satiny texture with a firm structure. Flavors are layered with cinnamon, lavender, blueberry-boysenberry and caramel-mocha coffee."