93 Points - Wine Spectator
93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - International Wine Report
Winemaking
The 2020 Chardonnay grapes were immediately whole-cluster pressed off their skins once picked. Press fractions were managed carefully and the resulting wines impressed, offering expressive fruit aromas and refreshing acidity with layers of rich texture. The individual Sangiacomo vineyard components were harvested at night and fermented separately in 30% new French oak barrels.
Vineyards
The core of our Sojourn Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay is from the same vineyard source as the highly-acclaimed Sojourn Sangiacomo Vineyard Pinot noir wines. This wine features a combination of Clone 95 Chardonnay from Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard and Old Wente Clone from Sangiacomo Vella Ranch and Green Acres. The Roberts Road block, planted in 1998, provides minerality and vibrancy. The Old Wente Clone selections are known to produce distinctively small clusters, low yields, and result in elegant, complex wines that round out this blend. These ranches are perfectly suited for growing Chardonnay, with cool climates and well-draining soils.
Vintage
In 2020 the Sonoma Coast the grape vines woke up early and demanded their normal attention. Summer wild fires impacted many vineyards and hard decisions were made not to pick several vineyard blocks. Focus was on producing only the highest quality wine and only picked grapes and made wines that met standards. As a result, only a small quantity of Chardonnay that showed exceptional vintage quality was bottled.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Vineyards: Sangiacomo Vineyard
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Fermentation: French Oak barrels 70% Malolactic Fermentation, Native Yeast
Aging: 30% New French Oak
pH: 3.56 TA: 6.3 g/L
Bottled Unfined September 2021
Cases Produced: 450
Alcohol: 14.1%
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
Inky, plush, and cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
93 Points
Deep red hue and hints of violet teasing the senses with seductive aromas of dark fruits, wild berries, cocoa, baking spices, leather, and cigar box. Filled with saturated flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, cassis, cherry cola, ripe plum, chopped mint leaves, while the palate unfolds with rich tannin, juicy acidity, and flavors of cherry gastrique, berry coulis, herb mélange, and licorice.
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.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
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