2014 White Wine, Estate Cuvee Blanc, Sonoma Valley • St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

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Tasting Notes

Our Estate Cuveé Blanc is a richly flavored and aromatic Rhone-style white blend. “Peaches and cream” aromas precede flavors of apricot, crushed pineapple, marshmallow, and lime zest with a touch of minerality. This refreshing wine has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel then finishes bright and crisp.

Vintage Notes

Warm sunny days and cool afternoons throughout the spring and summer months set the stage for a spectacular harvest in September 2014. The lack of rain meant that harvest began a little earlier than normal and was short in length, finishing up by the end of October. The temperate days leading up to harvest produced good yields of high-quality fruit with concentrated flavors, complex aromatics, and excellent structure.

Vineyard Notes

All three varietals for this classic Rhone-inspired blend come from our Certified Sustainable Estate Wild Oak Vineyard at the base of Sugarloaf Ridge and Hood Mountain in Sonoma Valley. The rock and gravel that have washed down over the centuries provide ideal soil conditions for small yields of concentrated fruit. Sonoma Valley’s cool evenings and warm afternoons allow the fruit to develop intense flavors and aromas while maintaining high acidity.

Winemaker Notes

Each of these three white varietals was picked at 26.5 Brix. The Roussanne and Viognier were fermented together in temperature-controlled tanks for increased fruit expression. A small percentage of Marsanne, fermented separately, was blended in to add creamy mouthfeel characteristics. The wine was aged in French oak for seven months before bottling.