2013 Chateau St. Jean Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Vintage 2013

Wine Type Red

Varietal Pinot Noir

Region Sonoma Coast

Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren

This gem of a Pinot Noir hails from the famed Sonoma Coast AVA. This cool-climate region offers Pinot Noir grapes that are rich in concentration and offer a distinctive Sonoma style.

This Chateau St. Jean Sonoma Coast wine is 100% Pinot Noir and displays the hallmark aromas of red cherry, strawberry, black tea and notes of tanned leather. The inviting aromas lead to a juicy palate where the red fruit flavors ring true along with touches of allspice. The generous core of fruit is balanced with the bright acidity you would expect from a cooler climate.

Vineyards & Vintage

The grapes for this wine were selected from vineyards along the Sonoma Coast region of Sonoma County. Sonoma Coast obtained its AVA status in 1985 and the area extends from San Pablo Bay to the boarder of Mendocino County. The region is unique and well-known for its cool climate due to its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
Sonoma County enjoyed almost ideal growing and harvest conditions for vintage 2013. The season got off to an early start in the spring and continued through to harvest with dry and uniform weather.

Winemaking

The Pinot Noir grapes were handled very gently from vineyard to winery. To start, the grapes underwent a three day cold soak prior to fermentation. After fermentation, the free run juice was drained and sent to barrel to complete malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for seven months in 100% French oak (25% new) before being assembled and bottled.