St. Francis Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2022
Tasting Note
The wine’s aromas are reminiscent of a summer berry patch, with fresh raspberries and a touch of sandalwood. The palate is equally inviting, with juicy black cherry flavors that are balanced by the wine’s acidity and structure. The wine’s midpalate is viscous and full-bodied, giving it a rich and satisfying mouthfeel. The finish is long and lingering, with a refreshing acidity.
Vintage Note
Our 2022 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. 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 we picked the last red grapes from our estate Lagomarsino Vineyard.
Vineyard Note
We source the fruit for this wine from multiple vineyards in the Sonoma Coast region of the county. Due to the proximity to San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the Sonoma Coast area experiences many cool and foggy days during the summer months, resulting in small yields of flavorful fruit with balanced acidity. The combined blend of these different vineyard sources produces a wine with distinct varietal character with supple features and texture.
Winemaker Note
This Pinot was fermented using a combination of techniques, fusing both old and new world styles of Pinot Noir winemaking. Each vineyard lot undergoes a slow 14-day ferment, with an extended maceration for up to 30 more days to allow flavor and texture to harmonize. The wine is then racked off into French oak barrels, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation naturally during elevage, before blending and bottling occurs.
