Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2024
Trade Tools
America / Sonoma County
St. Francis sources their Pinot Noir fruit from the cooler areas of Sonoma County, where cool air from the Pacific rolls in at night during the summer, dropping temperatures substantially. This natural air-conditioning is ideal for Pinot Noir allowing the grapes to develop deep flavors while retaining acidity. To capture the distinct characteristics of each vineyard, the lots are fermented separately with a five to ten day cold soak to extract optimal color and flavor. After a long, slow fermentation the wine is racked off into French Oak barrels, 20% new, where it undergoes natural malolactic fermentation followed by aging for eight months before blending and bottling.
Harvest Note
The 2024 growing season started off wet with abundant rains revitalizing the soil. Cooler temperatures extended ripening and allowed the grapes time to develop deep color, varietal intensity and balanced acidity. Pinot Noir was picked in late August through early September.
Tasting Note
This bright, flavorful Pinot Noir shows off layers of flavors and aromas. A touch of fresh cherry, pomegranate and sarsaparilla are balanced with spicy notes of black tea, orange peel and cinnamon stick. A burst of acidity and silky texture on the finish round out this rich, yet refreshing wine.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
ABV: 14.10%
AGING: French Oak, 20% New
Unique Selling Points
- Fruit sourced from cool areas of Sonoma allowing grapes to develop deep flavors and retain acidity
- Grapes start with a 5–10-day cold soak to extract optimal color and flavor
- Malolactic fermentation occurs in French oak barrels, 20% new, and aged for 8 months
"The cooler growing regions of Sonoma County are my source for this Pinot Noir resulting in a vibrant wine with perfect balance and lovely texture."
Katie Madigan, Winemaker
About the Grape
Pinot Noir
In France, makes a silky, deceptively powerful wine of elegant, complex aromas and subtle, red fruit flavors, with earthy, floral, mushroom and mineral notes. In California, shows ripe, sweet characters.
