Franciscan Magnificat and their Cabernet

I was wondering if anyone has tried Franciscan Magnificat?

I have enjoyed the Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon for several years, but I was really curious when I got an email from them today, went to
their web site for the offers and found this:


2004 1.5 -Napa Valley 50% Cabernet Sauvignon 49% Merlot 1% Cabernet Franc 25 Months French and New Oak
2006 -Oakville 56% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Merlot 3% Malbec 1% Petite Verdot 18 Months French Oak
2007 -Napa Valley 71% Cabernet Sauvignon 26% Merlot 1% Malbec 20 Months New and French Oak

And their Cabernet Sauvignon
2007 -Napa Valley 83% Cabernet Sauvignon 13% Merlot 3% Syrah 1% Petite Verdot 20 Months, French Oak

I guess I was surprised about the different variations of these wines. Its enough to get me thinking I need to get a bottle of the Magnificat

[David M. Bueker]

Haven't had Magnificat in several years. I guess I'm not too shocked at the differences across the wines. One of the main benefits of a proprietary blend is to vary the content based on what did or did not do well in any given vintage to achieve a "house style."

I have had the Magnificat from several years and recently say a few bottles in the cellar. I was not overwhelmed, as perhaps I expected too much, but they were very good. I completely agree with David in that the propriety labeling, like Meritage, allows greater flexibility in blending than does, say, a wine labeled Napa Cab., so that variations are not only allowed but encouraged.