Some pretty Magnificat wines

It’s pretty rewarding and an excellent learning opportunity when you can compare a wine that is similar, from the same vineyard, and only a year apart. It truly helps me identify what particular grape is offering to the wine itself. I went on a Franciscan Estate “Magnificat” exploration recently tasting their 2009 and 2010 vintages. Each retailing about $50 but definitely drinking like champs!

 

2009: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petite Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, & 2% Malbec

·         Aromas- Vanilla, oak, spice, and dark chocolate.

·         Flavors- Rich fruit, blackberry, and hints of black pepper. This was incredibly smooth.

2010: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, & 4% Petite Verdot

·         Aromas- Ripe plum, cocoa, and hints of vanilla.  

·         Flavors- Black cherry, juicy blackberries, cocoa, and rich tannins, and a long finish. Great velvety mouth feel.

There was subtle grape percentage differences between both wines but the 2009 stood out with 2 additional grapes. It was pretty cool to taste them side by side as I could taste what the Cab Franc and Malbec did to the 2009 (or at least I thought I could without the label already putting it in my brain). The 2010 seemed to have just a little (and I mean little) more body to it while the 2009 tasted a little softer. Both were complex in everything and were rather magnificent from aromas, flavors, and that long lasting finish! I really didn’t have a favorite but I will say BOTH tasted better the next day – a little bit of oxygen improved it even more.  You should try this for yourself. Buy some similar wines even if the only difference is in years and taste side by side. I promise it’s a cool experience. Sláinte! TCW