2000 Franciscan Oakville Estate Magnificat $23

($23 is the price that I had listed in my notes back from when I bought it, even though the list price is $50.)

I have a fond place in my heart for the Franciscan Oakville Estate as they were partly responsible for my current love of wine. However I must say that my tastes have outgrown most of their selection. The one exception is the Magnificat. Each year they change the blend to get the most out of their red wines. It is always quite pleasant, and very well-balanced.

There are dark cherries and perhaps a touch of blueberries in the aroma. The flavor has a touch of chocolate and just a touch of oak. It is very smooth and has a nice finish.