Deep scarlet with aromas of dark cherry, plum, baking spices and coffee that weave into complex aroma. The flavors open with ripe plum and black currant. Impressive structure readily apparent in a dense, full body with refined tannins. Extensive finish blends cassis with anise, tobacco, cocoa, and vanilla. 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc.A bright and balanced red with currant, plum, chocolate and walnut aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Pretty length and control to this. A blend of mostly cabernet sauvignon with some merlot, malbec and cabernet franc. Drink or hold.92 points from James SucklingThe proprietary flagship from Franciscan, called Magnificat, is comprised of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc in 2013. This easygoing, soft, round, juicy Bordeaux blend has a dark ruby/purple color, and loads of red and black currant fruit, not a lot of complexity, but a juiciness and succulence. Its hedonistic and moreover should drink nicely for up to a decade.89 points from Robert Parker, The Wine AdvocateWinemaker NotesMagnificat is one of the original Meritage blends in California, a wine Franciscan has proudly produced since 1985. Named for J.S. Bach's masterpiece, it is crafted to be as seamless and harmonious as its musical namesake. Starting with over 200 small lots of red wine, Magnificat is created to showcase our finest Bordeaux blend of the vintage. Carefully assessing each lot as it ages in barrel, we create the blend with repeated trials and blind tastings. Depending on how the varieties express in a given year, the composition will be different, always shaped to provide consistency of style. The wine is founded on Cabernet Sauvignon, but true to Meritage, uses other Bordeaux varietals to give roundness, structure, and rich complexity. - Janet Myers, Winemaker
