Wine of the Week: St. Francis Merlot

<p>One of Bordeaux' 5 red wine varietals, merlot remains one of America's best selling red wines, despite being dissed in the movie 'Sideways.' Check out this week's top ten from the Tasting Room, as rated by our tasting panel.</p><p>This week's panel includes Sean McKenzie, assistant winemaker at Clos du Bois; Larry Van Aalst, sommelier at Equus and host for CRN Radio; Roland Hankerson, general manager of the Wine Spectrum Shop & Bar; and Press Democrat wine columnist Peg Melnik.</p><h3>Wine of the Week: St. Francis</h3> <p>St. Francis 2005 Sonoma County ($22) </p><p>**** A ripe, showy merlot with a rich, vibrant mouth-feel. Concentrated red fruit, with a hint of rhubarb and some dry cherries. Notes of cocoa, espresso and vanilla. Full-bodied. Toasty.</p><h3>Runners-Up</h3> <p>Blackstone, 2006 Sonoma County ($17) *** ½</p><p>A big, rich, meaty merlot. Full-bodied with aromas and flavors of black plum and toast. Aromatic. Firm tannins. Dry finish.</p><p>Chateau St. Jean, 2005 Sonoma County ($25) *** ½</p><p>A complex merlot with aromas and flavors of red fruit, toast, anise, chocolate and vanilla. Has a hint of cranberry. Medium-bodied.</p><p>Dry Creek Vineyards, 2005 Dry Creek Valley ($19)*** ½</p><p>An earthy merlot with red and black fruit flavors. Has a good dose of cherry. A soft texture. Medium-bodied. Very appealing.</p><p>Kendall-Jackson, 2005 California ($19) *** </p><p>A good merlot, rich and elegant. Aromas and flavors of black plum, toast and spice. Medium-bodied. Balanced.</p><p>Kenwood, 2005 Sonoma County ($17) ***</p><p>A jammy merlot with fruit flavors of red plum, strawberry and raspberry. Notes of chocolate and spice. Just a bit tart.</p><p>MacRostie, 2005 Napa Valley ($28) *** ½</p><p>A nice, fleshy merlot with notes of red fruit, mocha and spice. Long finish. Balanced. Well-integrated.</p><p>Round Hill, 2006 California ($8) ** ½</p><p>An uncomplicated merlot that's light-bodied with light tannins. Thin texture. Short finish.</p><p>Screw Kappa Napa, 2005 Napa Valley ($14) *** </p><p>A big, juicy merlot with good raspberry fruit. Earthy. Some off aromas.</p><p>Trecini, 2006 Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($28) ***</p><p>A ripe merlot that's a touch earthy. Notes of black plum, cherry and toast. Integrated tannins. Medium complexity.</p>