95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - International Wine Report
92 Points - Wine Spectator
Drink this beautiful wine any time over the next 7-8 years.
Winemaking
The wine is concentrated and balanced. Two blocks of Pommard clone form 80% of the final blend, with earthy tones overlaying layers of red fruit flavors. A portion of the grapes were fermented whole cluster, adding aromatic complexity and structural verve.
Vineyard
Rodgers Creek Vineyard is well-suited for Pinot Noir, sitting high on a ridge in the heart of the Petaluma Gap, and taking the full brunt of wind and thick fog that define this cool climate zone. Two blocks of the Pommard Pinot Noir clone provide the foundation for this wine, with clone 777 adding a layer of bright fruit and lush textures. The vines grow in light, chalky volcanic ash soils on steep inclines. This causes natural vine stress and gives the wine high concentration levels. The combination of unique soils and dominance of the Pommard clone results in a distinctive wine with signature aromatic notes of earth and mushroom each vintage.
Vintage
The 2018 Sonoma Coast vintage offered moderate weather, cool evening temperatures and a long, even growing season. The weather conditions were ideal and allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly over the course of summer and early fall. This allowed the grapes to gain flavor complexities and ripe tannins, while retaining natural acidity. The vineyards offered grapes of exceptional quality. Rodgers Creek Vineyard offered lower than average yields in 2018, unlike most of the vineyards in the Sonoma Coast.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Vineyards: Rodgers Creek Vineyard
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (20% whole cluster)
Fermentation: Open-top fermentation, Native yeast
Aging: 50% New French Oak
pH: 3.69 TA: 6.0 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered August 2019
Cases Produced: 1050
Alcohol: 14.2%
94 Points
Dark purple in color it opens with explosive aromas of wild blackberry, and a touch of vanilla oak. The palate is bursting with ripe juicy flavors of boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry, accented by layers of cedar, cacao, cinnamon and briary spice. It’s bold enough to stand up to any BBQ, yet smooth enough to sip on the patio as the sun goes down. Enjoy now and for the next 6-8 years.
95 Point Vintage
Opens with explosive aromatics of cassis, black plum, and sweet tobacco leaf, layered with warm baking spices (cinnamon and cardamom) and a light, complex ferrous mineral note. The Palate and mouthfeel is broad and sumptuous, bursting with flavors of juicy cherry pie, dark raspberry, and boysenberry compote.
The Finish carries a luxurious, savory presence showing undertones of leather, mocha, and milk chocolate, framed by supple, superfine tannins that melt into a long, polished finish.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
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