95 Points - International Wine Report
Winemaking
2021 Chardonnay grapes were immediately whole-cluster pressed off their skins once picked The individual Sangiacomo vineyard components were harvested at night and fermented separately in 30% new French oak barrels. Roberts Road Vineyard is featured prominently in the 2021 blend, offering exceptional apple and citrus flavors with fresh acidity and a long finish.
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
The 2021 growing season offered optimal conditions in the Sonoma Coast to harvest grapes of exceptional quality. The air remained clear with no fires in Sonoma and pandemic lock downs ended. Our spirits were lifted and the grape harvest and wine quality benefited. 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 our 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: Sangiacomo Vineyard
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Fermentation: French Oak barrels 65% Malolactic Fermentation, Native Yeast
Aging: 30% New French Oak
pH: 3.45 TA: 6.1 g/L
Bottled Unfined August 2022
Cases Produced: 450
Alcohol: 14.1%
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of cherries, black olives, currants and a touch of black pepper. The full-bodied palate is chock full of crunchy black fruits, framed by ripe chewy tannins.
92 Points
Aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb to delight your senses. The flavors are just as complex with hints of Madagascar vanilla followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a touch of lavender. The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long, satisfying finish.
94 Points, Editors' Choice
Bold and berrylike, full-bodied and saturated with jammy blackberry and raspberry that coat the palate and give a luscious ripeness that keeps on giving. Notes of stewed plums, Morello cherries and raspberry pie and spice, wild thyme and hoisin. The palate is laden with red and black berry layers, supported by chewy tannins.
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