Sojourn Cellars: Consistency is a Defining Feature
Sojourn Cellars, based in Sonoma, is a model of consistency for many years. The winery specializes in Pinot
Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma and Napa counties. Although the winery owns no
vineyards, the winemaking staff helps direct all farming operations in at least sixteen vineyard sources.
The winemaking staff consists of Direct of Winemaking Erich Bradley, who has been at the winery since the
beginning, Associate Winemaker Randy Bennett, who also has been part of the winery for years, and Assistant
Winemaker Rob Sanford. Erich (left) and Randy (right) are in the photo below.
Pinot Noir winemaking consists of 100% de-stemming, whole berry native fermentations in small open-top
fermenters, hand punch-downs, gentle basket pressing, and avoidance of pumps. The wines are bottled
unfined and unfiltered. Most Pinot Noir wines are Dijon clone-driven. Both the 2018 and 2019 vintages had
relatively mild seasons allowing for long and slow grape maturation. Yields were slightly lower in 2019 resulting
in more concentration in the wines.
Check the website at www.sojourncellars.com for current tasting availability at the tasting salon in the town of
Sonoma. The majority of Sojourn Cellars wines are sold through a mailing list with some availability at the
winery’s website store.
In January 2020, the winery was sold to winemaker Angela Mondavi who is a member of the iconic Napa
Valley family and Sonoma Best Hospitality Group. The brand remains intact with co-founders Craig Haserot
and Erich Brandley still involved. Winemaking has moved to the former Ravenswood Winery facility) (now
owned by Angela) at 18701 Gehricke Road in Sonoma. The 2018 and 2019 vintage wines reviewed here were
produced and bottled in Santa Rosa.
2018 Sojourn Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.59, 1,025 cases,
$69. Released spring 2020. Vineyard has extremely rocky and divigorating soil. Clones 115, faux 828 and 667
fermented separately and then blended. 10% whole cluster ferment. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of blue and black berries, grass and old wood. Midweight
in style and creamy in texture, with an array of ripe dark fruits underlain with a smoky note.
Disappointing for Gap’s Crown Vineyard bottling as a bit shallow on the mid palate and a very modest finish
that displays some alcoholic warmth.
Score: 89
2019 Sojourn Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0;.57, 850 cases,
$69. Released spring 2021. Vineyard is situated at 800 feet elevation with volcanic soils. Winds from the
Petaluma Gap are frequent as are foggy nights. Clones 115 (planted in 2005 and the foundation of the wine),
faux 828 (planted in 2002) and 667 (planted in 2004).10% whole cluster ferment. Aged in 40% new French oak
barrels.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of blueberry-pomegranate, potpourri and
mulch. Full-bodied with a bold charge of blue and black fruits. Sleek, with modest tannins and a decent finish. A
big boy wine that shows balance at a high ABV.
Score: 92
2018 Sojourn Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5%
alc., pH 3.80, TA 0.59, 800 cases, $59. Released January 2020.
Vineyard is located on Roberts Road at the base of Sonoma
Mountain. Cool ocean breezes and Petaluma Gap fog allow for
long hang time. Clones 115 (planted in 1998), 777 (planted in
1999), Swan and Mt. Eden. 100%-de-stemmed, aged in 50%
new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the
glass. Really nice scent of purple grape and berry that is like
the smell of opening a jar of Knott’s Berry Farm boysenberry
jam. Mid-weight plus in style, with an array ofd purple berry
fruits and added spice. Very fresh with minimal tannins and
great harmony. The wine snakes across the palate with ease.
The alcohol ids submerged but don’t drink at more than 70
degrees.
Score: 94
2019 Sojourn Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.56, 700 cases, $59.
Released spring 2021. Clones 115, Swan and Mt. Eden. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark
garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, purple grape, underbrush and oak spice.The succulent deep
cherry core satisfies as does the soft mouthfeel. The cherry-themed finish has some length but there is a slight
bit of alcoholic hotness that detracts.
Score: 90
2018 Sojourn Ridgetop Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.56, 400 cases, $59.
Release fall 2020. Vineyard is owned and managed by Thomas Rivers Brown and Fred Schrader. A remote
location near Annapolis at 1,000 feet elevation. Goldridge soils with a collection of sandstone and remnants of
an ancient seabed. Clones 115, 667 and 777 fermented separately and then blended. 100% de-stemmed,
aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose offers pleasing
aromas of dark berries, cassis and tilled earth. The essence of purple and black berry fruits is vivid and framed
by cardamom spice. Silky in texture with gracious tannins and impressive generosity on the finish.
Score: 93
2019 Sojourn Ridgetop Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.56, 400 cases, $69.
Tiny clusters and small berry sizes in this vintage led to greater concentration in the finished wine. Aged in 50%
new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose opens over time in the glass to reveal
aromas of black cherry and baking spices. Somewhat reserved but still engaging in a mid-weight style with
flavors of purple and black berry complimented with toasty oak. Nicely composed with felty tannins and a
satisfying purple-fruited finish.
Score: 93
2018 Sojourn Riddle Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.60, 400 cases, $59.
Released fall 2020. Vines planted at high density in Goldridge soil. Clones 115, faux 828, Pommard and Mt.
Eden clones. 100% de-stemmed, aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Very
shy aromas of earthy dark fruits and toasty oak. Full-bodied, fruit-driven style featuring flavors of black
raspberry, blueberry and pomegranate nicely spiced. Velvety in texture and some length on the mid-palate and
finish. Ripe, teeth-staining fruit is not usually my cup of tea but this wine does satisfy in its own sturdy way.
There is a hint of alcoholic warmth on the finish.
Score: 92
2019 Sojourn Riddle Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.55, 400 cases, $59.
Release in August 2021. Pommard and Mt. Eden clones form the base of this wine. Aged in 50% new French
oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A little coaxing is necessary to release the aromas of
cherry, blueberry and clay. A middleweight core of dark cherry and strawberry fruit flavors make an impression.
There is a bit of savory spice and earthiness as well. Nicely balanced with a good beam of acidity, a long finish
and only a hint of oak.
Score: 93
2018 Sojourn Reuling Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.59, 425 cases, $69.
Released fall 2020. Vineyard is perched on a small hillside at an elevation of 250 feet just off Highway 116
between Graton and Forestville. Goldridge soils. Clones are Calera and two suitcase selections from Vosne-
Romanée. 100% de-stemmed. Three clones fermented separately and then blended prior to bottling. Aged in
50% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Inviting aromas of blackest cherry,
brioche, baking spice and oak stave. An array of dark red fruit flavors are gathered in a mid-weight plus style
showing good energy and gentle tannins. The wine enters with intent but loses focus on exit.
Score: 90
2019 Sojourn Reuling Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.58, 400 cases, $69.
Release in August 2021. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely
perfumed with the scent of dark cherry and white pepper. A mid-weight wine offering vivid flavors of black
cherry and black raspberry with a gentle compliment of oak spice. Somewhat reserved with felty tannins and a
persistent finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle, the wine was still giving up its
charms grudgingly but was pleasant. This wine needs more time in the cellar.
Score: 92
2018 Sojourn Wohler Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.70, TS 0.61, 650 cases,
$54. Release fall 2020. The vineyard, located in Forestville, was replanted in 2006. Goldridge soil. Clones 667,
faux 828, 115 and 2A were vinified separately. 100% de-stemmed, aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Corked - boo-hoo.
2019 Sojourn Wohler Vineyard Sonoma Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.55, 650
cases, $54. Release in August 2021. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
Aromas of dusty Bing cherry and baking spice. Black cherry cola flavor is the base for this energetic wine that
aims to please. Very modest tannins and some finishing length. Like a white tee shirt, this wine is similarly
adaptable to most situations.
Score: 91
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