2022 Vineyard Francesca Pinot Noir
2022 Vineyard Francesca Pinot Noir
New Release! This tiny, challenging vineyard sits at the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills.
Description
This tiny, challenging vineyard sits at the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. The aromas present layers of fresh earth, roasted mushrooms and dark berries. The exquisite mouthfeel is silky with soft tannins. Flavors of black cherries and smoked meats intertwine with hints of cracked black pepper and cola. Additional aging time will only increase the subtle nuances of the wine. Pair with a grilled rack of lamb or roasted winter squash.
Vineyard Notes
The 2022 harvest was tracking to be a little later than usual due to cool summer weather, but Labor Day weekend brought a significant heat bump which accelerated the pace. Berry size was smaller than average, which resulted in smaller yields across the appellation this year. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were picked quickly in the first two weeks of September. Then the weather cooled a bit and ripening slowed, with Syrah staying on the vine well into October. Grapes at Vineyard Francesca were harvested on September 10th.
Production Notes
Pinot Noir clusters for this wine were hand sorted before being de-stemmed and gravity fed to fermenters. The must was prepared for a pre-fermentation cold soak where the most beneficial extraction of color, aroma and flavor occurs. Concentration was enhanced by gently punching down the cap a few times per day. The wine aged 18 months in French oak with 33% new barrels in the mix. This Pinot Noir was bottled unfined and unfiltered on April 16th, 2024.
Winemaker Notes
This tiny, challenging vineyard gives us an exquisitely balanced wine. The aromas present layers of fresh earth, roasted mushrooms and dark berries. The exquisite mouthfeel is silky with soft tannins. Flavors of black cherries and smoked meats intertwine with hints of cola. Additional aging time will only increase the subtle nuances of the wine. Pair with a grilled rack of lamb or roasted winter squash.
| Vintage |
2022 |
| Wine Style |
Red Wine |
| Varietal |
100% Pinot Noir |
| Appellation |
Sta. Rita Hills |
| Harvest Date |
9/10/2022 |
| Acid |
5.8 g/l |
| PH |
3.77 |
| Bottling Date |
4/16/2024 |
| Alcohol % |
14.1 |
| Size |
750 ml |
