2003 Franciscan Magnificat

Franciscan Estate was founded in 1973 and one of its first owners was Justin Meyer, founder of Silver Oak. Franciscan’s 240-acre vineyard is in Oakville and fruit from that vineyard produced the debut wine, which was the 1975 Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate changed hands several times in the following decades and in 1999 it was purchased by Canandaigua Wines, now known as Constellation Brands Inc. It is the world’s largest publically-traded spirits company and owns more than 100 brands, including beer and liquor producers. Franciscan makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and blends.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.