Crafted in the heart of California's Sonoma County, the St. Francis Sonoma County Merlot showcases grapes sourced from estate vineyards in both the Sonoma and Russian River valleys, along with selections from other esteemed appellations such as Alexander Valley and Rockpile. Each grape is hand harvested, followed by gentle destemming and crushing, ensuring optimal color and flavor extraction through cold soaking. The fermentation process employs various yeast strains for added complexity and utilizes techniques like pump-overs and rack-and-return to soften tannins, culminating in a rich wine matured in oak barrels.