Pale ruby color; cherry, raspberry, redcurrant, strawberry, cranberry, blackberry, vanilla, clove, orange zest on the nose and palate.
Dry (0 g/L RS); silky tannins; excellent acidity (3.60 pH; 5.8 g/L TA). Light-medium body. Blend of 40% Pommard Clone, 25% 777 Clone, 25% 115 Clone, 10% Wädenswil Clone pinot noir grapes. Both destemmed and whole berries gravity-transferred to small stainless steel fermenters. Selected yeast strains from Burgundy used for fermentation. Full malolactic conversion. Wine aged nine month in French oak. Domaine St. Laurent follows Old World, traditional French approach and sustainable farming to showcase their Rogue Valley terroir. Agate-Winlo soil is extremely coarse sandy loam. Average elevation of 1,575 feet; cold climate with significant diurnal shifts accounts for its excellent acidity. 13.3% ABV
Located in the sunny southern part of Oregon, more than 250 miles south of Portland and the the Columbia River, the 2023 Rogue Valley vintage enjoyed practically ideal conditions. Extended hang time resulted in phenolic ripeness and moderate sugar levels. The diurnal shift in the valley encouraged acidity.
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 Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley, Oregon 2023 is elegant, straightforward pinot rather than opulent, complex show stopper. Bright fruit-forward easy drinker from Oregon’s sunny southern wine region. Clean, fresh, silky in the mouth. Tremendous value for price. $17-20
Pairing—Grilled or roasted salmon is classic; 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.
