94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - Wine Spectator
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%
Gold Medal
Generously packed with exotic cassis, black cherry, cola and plum flavors knitted together in a creamy, velvety texture with nice layering, finishing with delightful notes of spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
96 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spicy cola and black tea waft from the glass. The palate delivers all of that and then some, adding layers of fig jam, white peppercorn and baking spice. Firm juicy tannins and balanced acidity round it out.
90 Points
Deep garnet in color, with enticing aromas of brandied cherry, lavender, and forest floor. The palate is juicy and engaging with blueberries coursing through with depth and keeps you running back for more. Pure and balanced with perfect levels of acidity with notes of salted caramel, and cocoa. It's ripe silky tannins lead to a long supple finish that just keeps on giving.
95 Points
Engaging and floral with its red roses, violet, and hibiscus on the nose that tease you to take a sip. Then, BOOM! Rich dark black fruit flavors of cassis, deep blackberry, mixed berry preserves, kirsch, baking spice and subtle notes of cocoa and oak that envelop your senses.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
93 Points
Dark fruit with blueberry fruit aromas and notes of mocha and cassis. The texture is silky, rich and mouth-filling with berry pie, black tea, exotic spice and notes of chocolate fudge on the palate. Fine grain tannins lengthen the finish with dark fruit flavors mingling with just a hint of mint.
92 Points
Deep garnet core with aromas of crème de cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice mingle and swirl on the nose. The palate is equally gorgeous with extremely rich cookie, walnut, plum and cassis with a long smooth creamy vanilla finish. This one is aged to perfection and ready to show off.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Chewy & Ripe!
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers top pick.
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