Denali Estate is the personal project of Walt and Katherine Schlotfeldt, Alaskans who traded the north for the St. Helena hills after retirement. While their home estate is anchored by mountain Cabernet, this 2024 Pinot Noir hails from the wind-swept Sonoma Stage Vineyard in the heart of the Petaluma Gap. Working with renowned winemaker Jean Hoefliger, the Schlotfeldts have produced a wine that prioritizes Burgundian-style elegance, clocking in at a remarkably fresh and low 11.3% alcohol. Sourced from historic Swan and Calera suitcase clones, the wine is bursting with dark fruit yet maintains a vibrant, aromatic lift that reflects the intense maritime influence of its rugged, wind-scoured site. The palate is silken and precisely structured, offering layers of wild cherry, pomegranate, and savory earth that lead to a long, mineral-driven finish. This 2024 release is pure sophistication and a refreshing departure from the California norm, marking Denali Estate as a truly exciting new winery to watch.