Download Wine Notes
|
Vintage: |
2015 |
Varietal Composition: |
97% |
Pinot Noir |
2% |
Syrah |
1% |
Zinfandel |
|
Barrel Aging: |
10 Months |
100% |
French Oak |
|
Bottling Date: |
July 2016 |
Alcohol %: |
14.5 |
len(wineprofile)
2015 brought an early and light harvest that began on August 10, the earliest date in St. Francis’ history. The year started out very warm and dry but then cool, damp weather in May hampered fruit set. Though the result was smaller, looser clusters on the vine, the warm and consistent summer that followed produced high quality fruit with exceptional aromatics and concentrated flavors.
We source our Pinot Noir fruit from vineyards located in 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.
93 Points
The Tasting Panel Magazine
92 Points
James Suckling
Best of Class & Double Gold Medal
Sonoma County Harvest Fair