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%
90 Points
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. It's supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, dried prune, with anise and light spice flavors on the finish.
92 Points
A Nils' Venge Cabernet Sauvignon never disappoints! This powerhouse opens with pleasant aromas of evergreen, dark cocoa and coriander that delightfully entice your senses. Its enveloping and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around on the palate, finishing with flavors of baked rhubarb, ground peppercorn and all-spice.
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 Chardonnay.
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