Light-medium ruby color; Cherry, blackberry, raspberry, light oak, caramel, clove, cinnamon on the nose and palate.
Dry (0 g/L RS); mellow tannins; balancing acidity (3.74 pH/5.60 g/L TA). Medium body. Blend of 50% Pommard Clone, 25% 777 Clone, 25% 115 Clone pinot noir grapes. Both destemmed and whole berries gravity-transferred to small fermenters. Selected yeast strains from Burgundy used for fermentation. Freshly pressed wine transferred to French oak for 18 months of aging; 25% new French oak, 25% once-filled barrels, 50% neutral French oak. Domaine St. Laurent follows Old World, traditional French approach and sustainable farming to showcase their Rogue Valley terroir. Agate-Winlo saoil is extremely coarse sandy loam. Average elevation of 1,575 feet; cold climate with significant diurnal shifts. 13.8% ABV
The St. Laurent family’s journey into wine began in 1985 when they arrived in southern Oregon to establish St. Laurent Land and Cattle. The website chronicles: “We have a commitment to sustainability and a profound respect for the land and the animals that we raise. When we first began, we were one of the first ranches to produce 100% natural beef without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics. Today, our beautiful American Kobe cattle, bred by crossing 100% Wagyu bulls with American Angus cows, becomes some of the finest steak in the world at Snake River Farms in Idaho.
“We planted our first vines in 2017 with 14 acres of pinot noir Pommard clones and then added 11 more acres of pinot noir in 2019. Also in 2019, with a few harvests under our belt, we decided to begin our own winemaking adventure with our first release: the 2019 Pinot Noir, Block I.
“Now, the third generation of the family is involved in the family business, with Alex and his wife Heidi taking over management of grape production and wine sales. The pair, coming from business and high-end retail backgrounds, have added a spark of youth and fresh ideas to the operation. In the coming years, the vineyard will grow to 250 acres and beyond and will include new varietals like Chardonnay, Viognier and Syrah.”
Domaine St. Laurent Estate Pinot Noir, Block One, Rogue Valley, Oregon 2022 elegant, tasty, reserved tannins and acidity. Demure, almost bashful pinot will not offend anyone, but also lacks a wow! factor (not necessarily a bad thing). Especially nice for sipper who is easily spooked by an assertive red wine. $35
Pairing—Grilled or roasted salmon is classic, although blackened salmon could overwhelm the entrée; fish in general, especially lighter fish, pan-seared trout with butter sauce. Pan-fried duck breast; quail; roasted chicken. Pork tenderloin, pulled pork; barbecued pork could overwhelm this pour. Rack of lamb, lamb chops in lighter styles. Cured meats; charcuterie board. Mushroom risotto. Cheese—Soft, creamy cheeses; brie, camembert; goat cheese; gruyère, nutty, medium-firm cheeses.
