Sojourn
2019 Chardonnay
, Durell Vineyard
Sonoma Coast

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - Wine Spectator

Aromas of sliced apple, white peach, notes of freshly baked bread with tones of lemon zest. Sleek and rich, features concentrated McIntosh apple, pear, and honeydew melon flavors, with a creamy nuance.  Light buttery notes fill the lusciously spiced finish.  The length and viscosity of the wine is fantastic and this Chardonnay should go on to provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more.

Very excited to share this. We have just a small quantity.

Winemaking
The 2019 Durell Vineyard grapes were harvested in separate blocks and fermented in a combination of new and used French oak barrels from top coopers. The Barn block had small, loose clusters and was picked early to retain freshness. The older Hill block was picked at optimal maturity, offering rich texture and expressive aromas. This wine displays outstanding energy on the palate, with citrus and stone fruits and a long, clean finish.

Vineyards
The Sojourn Durell Vineyard Chardonnay is a made from 100% Old Wente clone from two blocks of the famous Durell Vineyard. The Hill block was planted in the 90s and gives very low yields of small clusters with prominent hen and chick berries. These small bunches provide extraordinary flavors, complexity, and texture. The Barn block's younger vines were planted in 2009 and they are still only producing small amounts of fruit with concentrated, lively, and exotic characteristics.

Vintage
The 2019 vintage was similar to 2018 in that the mild season allowed for long and slow maturation. The lack of major heat waves and virtually no rain during harvest allowed us to pick every vineyard block at optimal ripeness. The 2019 vintage was slightly lower yielding, which resulted in greater concentration in the wines. Balanced structures and rich flavors are consistent throughout the 2019 vintage wines.

Analysis
Vineyard:  Durell Vineyard
Appellation:  Sonoma Coast
Varietal Composition:  100% Chardonnay
Fermentation:  French Oak barrels 80% Malolactic Fermentation, Native Yeast
Aging:  40% New French Oak
pH:  3.39 TA: 6.1 g/L
Bottled Unfined August 2020
Cases Produced:  450
Alcohol:  14.3%

Tasting Notes  PDF

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