2015 Sojourn Walala Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.65, 328 cases, $69. Release spring 2017. Inaugural vintage from this vineyard formerly owned by Premier Pacific and now owned by Bill Price. The vineyard sits on a spectacular ridge located 1,200 feet above sea level, just inland from the Pacific Ocean near the coastal town of Annapolis. Clones 113, 115, 777 and “828,” are planted in gravelly loam soils.The vineyard rarely is warmer than 80ºF but the elevation gives the vines ample sunlight and there has not been a problem getting grapes to ripen. 100% de-stemmed, open-top fermentation with native yeast, aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A standout in this lineup of excellent 2015 Pinot Noirs, offering aromas of cherry, strawberry, cranberry and spice with a forest floor accent. Flat-out stunning on the palate with a charge of delicious black cherry fruit that sticks to the mid palate and hangs on through an extraordinarily long and graciously fruity finish. Beautifully composed, with dry well-proportioned tannins and a satiny mouthfeel. This wine breathes new life into the promise of Pinot Noir that winemakers dream about. Score: 96. Reviewed December 13, 2016

Winery: Sojourn Cellars
From article: Final California Wine Reviews of 2016