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| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 91.8 pts. and median of 92 pts. in 147 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by WineCPA on 1/13/2024 & rated 97 points: This is still great. Not over the hill at all. Medium-full bodied. Medium-low acidity. Just enough to hold things together. Dark black cherry and chocolate coat the palate. Hint of mushroom on the nose and a long finish. It's bigger than you'd expect at 14 years old. Still holding. Not bricking. Can't believe the life this still has. Last one in 2025-2027. Or do I wait longer to see..... (220 views) | | | Tasted by JasonG on 9/9/2023 & rated 91 points: Peak drinking. Nose trending towards more oak dominant as fruit fades, but not in mature oxidizing state yet. Taste is a raspberry cola powerhouse, but baking spice and pie crust has faded. Great with food, but just starting to roll over the other side of the hill. Now we know on Sojourn: 10-15 years past vintage is ideal. (250 views) | | | Tasted by davudvl on 10/30/2022: It seemed out of balance. It was “hot” on the palate and this was dominating the fruit and the acid. (356 views) | | | Tasted by Neat Water Back on 7/16/2021: This is really good and is in a great window! I think this could go for a few more years as well. (760 views) | | | Tasted by JuliannaDHS on 7/12/2021 & rated 91 points: Wow! Apparently I was a tough critic on 11/05/20. I really enjoyed this tonight but I suspect it was because of the food pairing (Sockeye salmon and roasted asparagus).
No mistaking this for anything but Sonoma pinot. There's loads of ripe fruit, primarily raspberry with cherry being distinctly secondary, cola and spices, and oak.
Last few sips were nice but I found this much more enjoyable with food. (748 views) | | | Tasted by ejmwine on 4/4/2021 & rated 92 points: Let it air for about an hour. The fruit really came out. Very balanced and ready to drink (716 views) | | | Tasted by ogres3 on 11/5/2020 & rated 91 points: The Mrs gives it a pretty tasty.
Drinking well.
Definitely a pinot.
Light and lively, good fruit - on the red side.
Consumed in Death Valley (852 views) | | | Tasted by JuliannaDHS on 11/5/2020 & rated 87 points: This bottle was too much ripe fruit, too much alcohol, and too much oak. Not unbalanced, but balanced way too extreme for Pinot Noir. Not bad red wine, just not representative of Pinot. (750 views) | | | Tasted by jlgnml on 9/2/2020 & rated 92 points: Bouquet of dark fruit, solid glass of wine. (398 views) | | | Tasted by jlgnml on 4/4/2020 & rated 92 points: Dark fruit and dense feel. Different than the Sangiacomo vineyard which to me is a bit lighter on the palate. (548 views) | | | Tasted by JuliannaDHS on 12/15/2019 & rated 91 points: A bit out of my preference these days but a delicious and full throttle pinot. Lots of ripe berry and plum fruit a long with spices. Good acidity. (580 views) | | | Tasted by Griffeyfan04 on 11/27/2019: A bit past it’s prime with no real acidity and a bit on the ripe plummy side. I would drink now and not hold too much longer (533 views) | | | Tasted by Brian Love on 10/9/2019 & rated 94 points: Quite impressed - on the bigger side but manages to still manages to be balanced. (574 views) | | | Tasted by Parnelli on 6/27/2018 & rated 92 points: She who does't like pinots was raving about this wine ... just have to bring her a 'big' pinot and this one fits the bill. Dark for a pinot in the glass. The extracted fruit (I'm guessing that that's what was done) brings black cherry/raspberry to the nose and palate, with a nice dose of vanilla. Great balance of fruit, tannins and acidity. I had steak kabobs and she had grilled salmon ... worked for both! (1130 views) | | | Tasted by JS199 on 3/5/2018 & rated 92 points: Big and powerful, but not sweet. Very good, nice purity of the fruit. Still young, drink or hold. 92/93 (1214 views) | | | Tasted by wlcoleman on 2/25/2018 & rated 96 points: Just awesome. Previous note applies. Agree with WineCPA's note too. (1047 views) | | | Tasted by WineCPA on 2/15/2018 & rated 97 points: Last bottle. Wish I had more. This evolved perfectly. The ripe fruit turned darker. The acid dropped significantly, but still holds things together. The mushroom and earth on the finish came out. Wonderfully balanced and sad that I just finished my last sip. Drink now-2020. (1094 views) | | | Tasted by ELH on 1/3/2018 & rated 94 points: Rich, intense, and delicate at the same time. Popped and poured. Lovely wine. (1130 views) | | | Tasted by wlcoleman on 12/29/2017 & rated 94 points: Patience rewarded! This is stellar right now. Still bright but acidity and tannin has mellowed and the fruit jumps right out. Great red and blue berries with a spicy finish that lasts for 30 seconds or more. Still in stock at the winery. I might have to go back for more. (543 views) | | | Tasted by Andrew Hunter on 9/11/2017 & rated 87 points: Delicious Pinot. Great Gap Crown fruit, acidity. (837 views) | | | Tasted by jlgnml on 5/27/2017 & rated 93 points: Great bright color, good beery taste, great on the palate and good finish. (1055 views) | | | Tasted by ogres3 on 4/24/2017 & rated 91 points: Benefits from a couple of hours of air. Not a big pinot fan but this paired well with some fresh salmon. Medium to full bodied. Purple to black. Pleasant black and blue fruits that captivate on the mid tongue. Good finish. (1192 views) | | | Tasted by jlgnml on 4/21/2017 & rated 92 points: Deep color, fragrant, beeries bright, good mouthfeel and good finish. It's a BUY. (1139 views) | | | Tasted by GoBlue2002 on 2/11/2017 & rated 93 points: Wow... I purchased this 5 years ago and have been ageing it as my living conditions warranted, so I am surprised at how good this is!
Elegant and fruit forward.
Full bodied, with well integrated acidity. I would have guessed RRV and not Sonoma Coast if drinking blind due to how well integrated this is.
Has some sparkle to it. Very long finish.
2nd bottle of night w/ John & Tiffany
Me - 94, Wife - 92
Tiffany - 93/94, John - 93 (1318 views) | | | Tasted by JS199 on 12/25/2016 & rated 91 points: No formal notes. More extracted/bigger than most Sojourn bottlings. Well made, 91/92. (1191 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| By Gregory Walter
PinotReport, Issue #76 (1/15/2012)
(Sojourn Cellars Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast) Login and sign up and see review text. | By Richard Jennings
RJonWine.com (5/6/2012)
(Sojourn Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast) Medium ruby color; baked cherry, floral, tart cranberry nose; intense, structured, tart cranberry, floral, tart cherry palate; needs 2-plus years; medium-plus finish 92+ points 92 points |
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of PinotReport and RJonWine.com. (manage subscription channels) |
| Sojourn Producer website
2010 Sojourn Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard Sonoma CoastGap’s Crown Vineyard is situated on Roberts Road just above the Sangiacomo Vineyard. This highly sought-after hillside vineyard is racking up big scores, and we are fortunate to have produced some of its first widely recognized bottlings. 2010 was a blockbuster vintage for this vineyard, delivering superb aromas and lush textures. We sourced from the same clone 115 and 828 blocks as in previous vintages. These blocks have pure western exposure and benefit from the cool micro-climate of this site as well as the natural stress created by the severe terrain. In 2010 we also included a very low yielding clone 667 in the blend, adding another layer of richness.
The 2010 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot noir will not disappoint fans of its bold, concentrated style and lingering finish. Dark cherry aromas and sweet oak express themselves first, leading to hints of baking spice, chocolate, and rosemary. This is a complex wine that makes a great first impression, with a sweet entry, big lush textures and a nice frame. Pinot Noir Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.
Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.
Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.
The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.
Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.
In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.
With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.
Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.Gap's Crown VineyardGap’s Crown is perched on the western edge of Sonoma Mountain and is comprised of 37 vineyard blocks that span 140 planted acres. Ranging in elevation from 300’ to 840’ above sea level Gap’s Crown takes advantage of the steep Sonoma Mountain hillsides to promote natural airflow and soil drainage within the vineyard.
Gap’s Crown is part of the Sonoma Coast AVA and is situated at the confluence of where Sonoma Mountain and its surrounding southwest facing hills meet the Petaluma Wind Gap (Petaluma Gap). To the south the hills of Sonoma Mountain turn southeast and channel the cool breezes of the Petaluma Gap toward the San Pablo Bay. To the north Sonoma Mountain gives way to Crane Canyon and eventually a northwest oriented set of hills. A pocket is formed by Crane Canyon and these northwest hills just to the north of Gap’s Crown, creating a natural fog pocket around the vineyard. Typically, coastal fog that is trapped in this pocket takes longer to burn off during the latter days of the growing season. This lingering fog during at the end of the growing season allows Gap’s Crown fruit to ripen slowly, developing sugar and phenolic ripeness in unison.
Gap’s Crown vineyard is owned and managed by Gap’s Crown, LLC and is located in the Petaluma Wind Gap. Kosta Browne Winery has purchased Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir grapes since 2006, and now enjoys a long term lease of 37 planted acres. Their viticulture is second to none, producing some of the finest grapes in Sonoma County.
William “Bill” Price III, co-founder of private investment company TPG Group and a financier of North Coast wineries such as Kosta Browne, purchased the 138-acre Gap’s Crown pinot noir and chardonnay vineyard in the Sonoma Coast appellation east of Rohnert Park. Mr. Price on Dec. 11 purchased two properties from what had been part of the CalPERS vineyard portfolio. The 106 acres of planted pinot noir and 32 acres of chardonnay are located off Roberts Road on the western slopes of Sonoma Mountain east of Rohnert Park. The sale price wasn’t disclosed in public records. Mr. Price told Wine Spectator that the purchase price was above $100,000 an acre and a new high value level for Sonoma Coast vines. With plantings in 2002 and 2005, Gap’s Crown is a source if grapes for wineries such as Kosta Browne, Paul Hobbs and Patz & Hall. Mr. Price will continue to supply those grape contracts and will purchase fruit for his Three Sticks and Price Chanin brands, he told Wine Spectator. Vineyard acquisition as a way to access key grape supply was a main driver in dozens of North Coast property sales in the past year to wineries, including several in the Premier Pacific Vineyards portfolio. Mr. Price’s history in the wine business includes the purchase and sale of Beringer Vineyards and, more recently, the formation of a boutique vintner investment group called The Vincraft Group. It’s investments include the Kosta Browne and Gary Farrell brands.
Zepponi & Company of Santa Rosa advised Menlo Park-based private-equity firm GI Partners, which has been managing the Premier Pacific Vineyards portfolio for CalPERS for the past year. CalPERS in late 2011 said it would end its relationship with Premier Pacific Vineyards, and GI Partners has been marketing vineyards for sale. American AgCredit financed the purchase.
USAAmerican wine has been produced since the 1500s, with the first widespread production beginning in New Mexico in 1628. Today, wine production is undertaken in all fifty states, with California producing 84% of all U.S. wine. The continent of North America is home to several native species of grape, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina, but the wine-making industry is based almost entirely on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers. With more than 1,100,000 acres (4,500 km2) under vine, the United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world, after Italy, Spain, and France.California2021 vintage: "Unlike almost all other areas of the state, the Russian River Valley had higher than normal crops in 2021, which has made for a wine of greater generosity and fruit forwardness than some of its stablemates." - Morgan Twain-Peterson Sonoma CountyMendocino CountySonoma Coast * Sonoma Coast AVA (Wikipedia)
* Sonoma Coast AVA (Wine Institue) |
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