95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - International Wine Report
92 Points - Wine Spectator
Drink this beautiful wine any time over the next 7-8 years.
Winemaking
The wine is concentrated and balanced. Two blocks of Pommard clone form 80% of the final 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. Two blocks of the Pommard Pinot Noir clone provide the foundation for this wine, with clone 777 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 2018 Sonoma Coast vintage offered moderate weather, cool evening temperatures and a long, even growing season. The weather conditions were ideal and allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly over the course of summer and early fall. This allowed the grapes to gain flavor complexities and ripe tannins, while retaining natural acidity. The vineyards offered grapes of exceptional quality. Rodgers Creek Vineyard offered lower than average yields in 2018, unlike most of the vineyards in the Sonoma Coast.
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: 3.69 TA: 6.0 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered August 2019
Cases Produced: 1050
Alcohol: 14.2%
91 Points, Wine Spectator
This is a big wine with luxurious texture. Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Loaded with old-vine character in every sip. Combining 42% Carignane, 38% Mourvèdre and 20% Zinfandel, from vines over 130 years in age. Dark red in color with black cherry, cassis, pomegranate, plum, cocoa, and highlights of cranberry, black pepper, tar and earth. Velvety mouthfeel, great structure with black cherry, pomegranate, chocolate, tar and peppery spice. Satisfies the palate with a long spicy fruit driven finish.
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