Tasting notes
The clarity of Sterling Vineyards’ 2024 Pinot Gris is alight in the glass with the slightest tint of pear yellow. Its compelling nose delivers a packet of Asian pear, coriander seed, and crushed limestone mineral notes. Orchard fruit flavors of Honeycrisp and green apple brighten the smooth palate, undercut by a light, appetizing salinity that carries a taste of crenshaw melon through to a complementary finish of crisp, focused acidity. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful Pinot Gris paired with warmer weather fare like couscous vegetable salads, chicken kebabs, and tostadas.
Technical information
Appellation
Carneros
Alcohol
13.6%
Winemaking
Fruit was carefully hand-picked and sent straight to press. It underwent a cool, slow fermentation in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation or oak aging, to allow the wine to express pronounced fresh fruit and floral characters, as well as highlight its crisp acidity.
Vintage
The winter months ushered in above-normal rainfall, and spring brought mild temperatures, both of which resulted in replenished groundwater and saturated soil in the vineyards. These favorable conditions gave the vines a strong, healthy start to the season, leading to vigorous shoot growth and a successful fruit set. Bud break occurred two weeks earlier than the previous year. Summer remained mild with no heat waves, allowing for steady grape maturation. Thanks to these near-perfect conditions, the grapes developed high natural acidity, fragrant aromatics, and rich, balanced flavors. Harvest began in late August at a moderate pace through September, with rising temperatures accelerating the process into early October. This vintage will be celebrated for years to come, with white wines displaying remarkable brightness and depth of flavor, while red wines showcase strong character, deep color, bold tannins, and an appealing phenolic profile.
Vineyard
Grapes for this delicately styled Pinot Gris came from a well-established Carneros ranch in Sonoma’s cool, southernmost growing region. Shallow clay loam soils join with marine- influences from San Pablo and San Francisco Bays to keep temperatures moderate, allowing fruit to evolve with balanced acidity and flavors.