2004 St. Francis Claret

Community Tasting Notes (1) Avg Score: 84 points

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  6/15/2009 - TWaltman wrote: 84 Points

  Decanted for an hour. This is a lefty type claret, so I was expecting something different.
  
  However, the first taste out of the bottle, and through the vinturi to test the effects. Appearance was nice, good deep purple, with little thinning at the edges. It just looked nice in the glass. Not real leggy, but not thin either... Nose was earthy, little fruit, some spice. Body was much heavier than you would think. Lots of tannic backbone with a little acid to balance. Not much in the way of fruit. Finish was shortish.
  
  Now, from the decanter, this changed a bit. The appearance was still nice. Same as above. The nose was more balanced, with some interesting changes. I have a very hard time pulling cassis due to a nasal/sinus "issue," but I think I can safely say that I picked that out of this one. Very noticable spice. Still some of the earlier earthiness, as well. The body was nicely balanced. Fruit was still less present, but seemed balanced and fair. Tannins were still firm and in charge. The finish was medium, but smooth and clean. Overall, this wine screamed for a steak. So I gave it one.
  
  Paired with a thick BBQ'ed sirlion, just salt and pepper. Boy did this wine say "thanks!" This was a truly nice couple. The mine softened a bit, and the steak mellowed the tannins enough to make this work really well.
  
  This is not going to stick around much longer, so through a steakk on the grill and enjoy! (4+10+13+7)

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