2017 Riddle Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
2017 Riddle Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Riddle Vineyard is located in Green Valley near the town of Occidental in a rugged section of the West Sonoma Coast. Lying on a coastal ridge with a gentle slope, this vineyard overlooks many of the iconic Pinot noir vineyards of the region. Sojourn has been purchasing fruit from one immaculate parcel for several years, and over time, it became obvious that a distinctive wine of exceptional quality could be produced as a vineyard designate. This wine showcases the signature Sojourn smooth texture balanced by ample structure for length and longevity. It provides intriguing bramble berry fruit flavors, concentration and silky tannins.
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PinotFile
"A high-density planted vineyard in Goldridge soil that dates to 2008. Clones 115, “828,” Pommard and Mt. Eden (the “secret sauce” in this wine) fermented separately. 100% de-stemmed, native yeast, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered in August 2018. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of red cherry and berry, baking spices and a savory note. Darker fruited on the palate, with glamorous flavors of black cherry, blueberry, boysenberry and spice that attack the palate with intent. Vigorous, but not intrusive tannins provide textural interest. The long finish will make your heart throb. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was even more expressive on the nose and palate and continued to exhibit the best finish in the lineup of wines tasted." - Rusty Gaffney, PinotFile
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International Wine Report
"The ‘Riddle Vineyard’ is another Sonoma Coast AVA vineyard in the Sojourn lineup. Like the other wines, this has a wonderful sense of place and light salinity that mingles with the red fruits on the nose. The palate is lithe and rich bringing right salted red cherry, guava and cola flavors. Delicious now, this will evolve well over the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2029." - Dr. Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"The 2017 Pinot Noir Riddle Vineyard, aged in 50% new French oak, has a pale to medium ruby color and a nose of pomegranate liqueur, cranberry jelly and blackberry candy with notions of dried orange peel, rose petals, blueberries and an earthy undercurrent. The palate is medium-bodied and silky with good intensity and layering, a grainy frame and well-woven freshness on the finish." - Erin Brooks, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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James Suckling
"This has a ton of ripe cherries, medium to full body and a silky texture, making it easy to enjoy. But for a really high score, there’s not enough to balance the ripeness and add interest and tension to the wine." - James Suckling, James Suckling
Riddle Vineyard
Sonoma Coast
Riddle Vineyard is located on a ridge in Green Valley near the town of Occidental in the West Sonoma Coast. At 750 feet above sea level, its gentle, north facing slopes overlook many of the iconic Pinot noir vineyards of the region. Foggy mornings burn off early, and the vines are drenched in warm sun for most of the day.