Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2022
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.
Harvest Note
The 2022 growing season started with early spring rains followed by ideal weather through spring and late summer. Harvest began on August 15 with white and early ripening red varieties showing bright acidity and mouthwatering freshness. In September a period of triple digit heat over several days pushed maturity on the vines, until a few days of rain provided a refreshing break and gave the laterripening fruit some extra hang time to develop deep rich color, remarkable aromatics and exquisite flavors.
Tasting Note
Bright flavors of juicy raspberry and pomegranate are balanced with spicy notes of dried orange peel and tea leaf.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir
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.
