Sojourn
2021 Pinot Noir
, Rodgers Creek Vineyard
Sonoma Coast

95 Points - International Wine Report

Wild blueberry, raspberry and earth tones that move into notes of boysenberry, crushed black cherry, pomegranate seeds, fresh wood, and a hint of cola.  The palate offers more flavors of juicy blue and black fruit that merge with cedary herbs, ground clove, and umami tones.  Tannis are in check with the medium levels of acidity, while finishing with dark fruit and savory earth notes on the mid-palate.

This gorgeous Pinot Noir will have a long life ahead in the cellar.
Drink this beautiful wine any time over the next 7-8 years.

Winemaking
The 2021 growing season offered optimal conditions in the Sonoma Coast to harvest grapes of exceptional quality.  Brief heat waves in August and September ripened the grapes to ideal maturity as the weather stayed dry until major rains arrived October 22.  This allowed for long hang times to develop complex flavors and texture.  Yields were lower than average in 2021, with small berries and loose clusters creating wines of increased depth and concentration.  Pommard clone dominates the final 2021 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.  A hillside block of Pommard Pinot noir clone provides the foundation for this wine, with clone 667 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 2021 growing season offered optimal conditions in the Sonoma Coast to harvest grapes of exceptional quality.  Brief heat waves in August and September ripened the grapes to ideal maturity as the weather stayed dry until major rains arrived October 22, after grapes were harvested.  Yields were lower than average in 2021, with small berries and loose clusters creating wines of increased depth and concentration.

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:  3.65 TA: 6.0 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered August 2022
Cases Produced: 600
Alcohol:  14.2%

Tasting Notes  PDF

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