Vineyard Notes
Gap’s Crown Vineyard has become one of the most iconic Pinot noir vineyards in the Sonoma Coast. It was originally developed by Premier Pacific Vineyards between 2002 and 2005 and later purchased by Price Family Vineyards in 2013. In 2007, Sojourn Cellars became one of the first to make a vineyard-designate wine from Gap’s Crown. Our clone 115 block, planted in 2005 on 3309 root stock at 1,200 feet elevation, has been the foundation for Sojourn since we began making Pinot noir from this vineyard. Our clone 828 block was planted in 2002 on 420A root stock, and two clone 667 blocks round out the blend, both planted in 2004 on 3309 root stock. This hillside vineyard is situated on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain and is cooled by the persistent wind and fog of the Petaluma Gap.

Tasting Notes
The 2019 vintage was similar to 2018 in that the mild season allowed for long and slow maturation. The lack of major heat waves and virtually no rain during harvest allowed us to pick every vineyard block at optimal ripeness. The 2019 vintage was slightly lower yielding, which resulted in greater concentration in the wines. Balanced structures and rich flavors are consistent throughout the 2019 vintage wines. The 2019 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot noir grapes were picked over the course of September 20th through September 30th from our separate blocks across the vineyard landscape. Each block was fermented separately and aged on lees until final blending just prior to bottling. A portion of clone 667 was fermented with stems and blended in for an overall rate of 10% whole-cluster.

95 Points Wine Enthusiast – “This site has been a constant for the producer since 2007 and it consistently sources from one block of the vineyard at some elevation. Intensely built in a rich, layered and full-bodied style, it offers firm, structured tannins and powerful, juicy waves of dark cherry and berry, with additional notes of crushed rock, dried herb and black tea.”

93 Points Wine Spectator – “Big and rich, this is filled with juicy spiciness to the dark currant and plum paste flavors that show notes of green olive and fig paste. Ends with decadent ripeness on the finish, with accents of cocoa and cream. Drink now through 2026.”

92 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – “The 2019 Pinot Noir Gap’s Crown Vineyard has a medium ruby-purple color and scents of boysenberries and cranberries with touches of watermelon and red flowers. The palate is medium-bodied, silky and deeply fruited with a layered, spicy finish.”

92 Points James Suckling – “An expressive nose of plum, redcurrant, rose hip, sandalwood and cinnamon. It’s full-bodied with soft tannins. Ripe and creamy with a juicy, sweet core of blue fruit. Delicious finish with good length. Drink or hold.”