Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2023
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
Cooler temperatures and an abundance of spring rains in 2023 pushed back the first day of harvest to the beginning of September. The later start and extra ripening time for the fruit allowed flavors and color to develop slowly for depth and concentration. Warm fall days spread out harvest to the end of October for many of the red varieties, with a final pick of Merlot delivered to the winery on November 2.
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: 14.20%
AGING: 8 months in 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.
