95 Points - International Wine Report
This gorgeous Pinot Noir will have a long life ahead in the cellar.
Drink this beautiful wine any time over the next 7-8 years.
Winemaking
The 2021 growing season offered optimal conditions in the Sonoma Coast to harvest grapes of exceptional quality. Brief heat waves in August and September ripened the grapes to ideal maturity as the weather stayed dry until major rains arrived October 22. This allowed for long hang times to develop complex flavors and texture. Yields were lower than average in 2021, with small berries and loose clusters creating wines of increased depth and concentration. Pommard clone dominates the final 2021 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. A hillside block of Pommard Pinot noir clone provides the foundation for this wine, with clone 667 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 2021 growing season offered optimal conditions in the Sonoma Coast to harvest grapes of exceptional quality. 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 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: Rodgers Creek Vineyard
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (20% whole cluster)
Fermentation: Open-top fermentation, Native yeast
Aging: 50% New French Oak
pH: 3.65 TA: 6.0 g/L
Bottled unfined and unfiltered August 2022
Cases Produced: 600
Alcohol: 14.2%
92 Points
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
98 Points, Best of Class
Super-Tuscan style blend offering aromas of ripe berries and black fruits, interwoven with hints of vanilla, caramel, raw tobacco, leather, clove, blood orange peel, and roasted walnuts. Rich and generous flavors of briary blackberry, dark cherry, ripe plum and cassis.
Chewy & Ripe!
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.
Generously packed with exotic cassis, black cherry, cola and plum flavors knitted together in a creamy, velvety texture with nice layering, finishing with delightful notes of spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
94 Points
Kirsch, ripe plum and bramble with an undercurrent of star anise and toffee. Earthy, with wild blueberry and classic dusty character, balanced by fine tannins and fresh acidity.
Deep ruby in color this wine is bountiful, juicy and structured. Blueberry, black cherry and wild blackberry, framed by notes of sweet licorice, violets, sage and bay leaf. Impeccably balanced with fine dusty tannins hint at a long life ahead in the cellar.
Crisp & Refreshing
Aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of fresh herb and pomegranate. Though packed with fruit, this Rosé finishes dry, with a nice balanced finish.
Plush & Velvety
Aromas of wild berries are interlaced with nuances of fresh lavender, dark chocolate truffle, baking spices, and cigar box, with generous flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry and fresh currants are layered with hints of cocoa, cassis, allspice, and wild sage.
95 Points
Cherry blossom and raspberry over fresh pomegranate with subtle touches of dried violet and lavender, with notes of spice that carry through to its silky layers, juicy red core, and velvety fine-grained tannins. Embodies bright, high-toned fruit, generous round body, and a silky refined finish.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
Excellent, Great Value!
Aromas of rich cherry, black currant, dark plums, with hints of lightly toasted vanilla, mint and crushed slate. The concentrated flavors further integrate with blackberries, tobacco, anise and earthiness with a balanced oak profile, layered palette, leaving you with its delightful finish.
Big, Bold & Juicy!
Bountiful, lavish and plush with aromas of plum, bramble berry, mocha, cedar, and red currant. Loaded with dark fruit, the mouth is full with a mix of red and dark berry, with notes of dark on the end. There is a touch of espresso, ripe black cherry, and petrichor. Nicely framed by generous French oak.
Rich & Plush!
Notes of ripe plum, sweet maple-cured bacon, lavender, five-spice, and blueberry. The palate is lush with cherry pipe tobacco, blackberry, raspberry held together by mineral overtones and fresh acidity.
Gold Medal
Aromas of white peach, melon, and orange blossom complemented by bright citrus and lemon zest. Notes of kiwi, pineapple, lemon, mango and papaya introduce a rich palate and a persistent mineral finish.
Pure, delicious, vibrant with aromas of white peach and wild white plum on the nose, followed by ripe Persian lime, jasmine high times, tart green apple, and crisp star fruit. The mouth centers in with pomelo and ginger lime leading into a mid-palate of fresh squeezed lime over papaya and lime zest on top of light lemon curd.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Modern, Sexy & Full
Aromas of wild blackberries and blueberries interwoven with enchanting notes of fresh mint, lavender, roasted walnut, savory spices, and a captivating hint of dark chocolate drizzled with fine balsamic. Notes of plum, blueberry and cassis with hints of wild sage, licorice, black pepper, and an elegant touch of fine-grained oak.
94 Points
Lovely aromas of crushed blueberry, red and blue plum, dried violet flower. It's juicy and engaging, with mulled raspberry coursing through and offers balance and depth with perfect levels of acidity with silky tannins leading to a long engaging finish.
Jam & Spice!
Elegant, plush, and backed by power and grace. The nose pushes notes of blackberry and mocha, sweet maple-cured bacon, lavender, spice, and blueberry. The palate is lush with pipe tobacco, boysenberry held together by subtle pepper spice.
PDF