Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2020
Trade Tools
America / Sonoma County
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards source their Pinot Noir fruit from the cooler areas of Sonoma County where fog from the Pacific Ocean rolls in at night during the summer, dropping temperatures substantially. This natural air-conditioning allows the grapes to develop deep flavors while retaining natural acidity. To capture the distinct varietal characteristics of each vineyard, the lots are fermented separately starting 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, 25% new, where it undergoes natural malolactic fermentation followed by aging for ten months before blending and bottling.
97 Points
Press Democrat
2020 vintage
91 Points
Sunset International Wine Competition
2020 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2020 growing season enjoyed near-perfect growing conditions. With minimal rain this winter, the vines were awakened with ideal, moderate spring-time temperatures and no frost threat to the developing buds. Veraison occurred 7-10 days earlier than previous years due to the temperate weather. Even daytime temperatures and cool nights throughout the summer months with a few short-lived heat spikes allowed for excellent flavor development. The year saw an early end to harvest as wildfires threatened the region.
Tasting Note
Bright fruit flavors of red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate balanced with spicy notes of dried orange peel and sandalwood.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
ABV: 14.1%
AGING: 8 months in French oak, 20% new
Unique Selling Points
- Fruit sourced from the cooler areas of Sonoma County to allow the grapes to develop deep flavors while retaining natural 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
- 100% Pinot Noir from the cooler areas of Sonoma County
“With its perfect balance and seamless structure, this Pinot Noir is a classic expression of Sonoma County.”
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.
