Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2021
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, 20% new, where it undergoes natural malolactic fermentation followed by aging for ten months before blending and bottling.
Best of Class
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2021 vintage
92 Points
Wine Enthusiast
2021 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2021 harvest began just a little earlier than last year with the first fruit picked on August 18. Limited rainfall during the growing season produced slightly lighter crops but brought intense, concentrated flavor and color to the fruit. Free from lingering heat waves, the consistent weather during the summer months helped maintain fruit acidity for brightness and balance. Harvest continued through the middle of October when the last of the grapes were picked from the estate Lagomarsino Vineyard.
Tasting Note
Bright flavors of juicy raspberry and pomegranate are balanced with spicy notes of dried orange peel and tea leaf. Fresh acidity from start to smooth finish shows off the wine’s vibrancy.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
PH: 3.58
ACIDITY: 6.2 g/l
ABV: 14%
AGING: Aged for 8 months in French oak barrels, 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.
