2018 Rodgers Creek

93 Points: Virginie Boone Wine Enthusiast - May 2020

Excellent; highly recommended “Stemmy, bright and earthy, this is a high-toned and citrus-driven red from the cool-climate appellation and site. Mineral-like crushed rock adds to the texture and length of the wine, accentuated by well-integrated tannin and oak.”

The 2018 growing season began with warm winter weather, before things turned cool and rainy in February, which prevented an early budbreak. While the rains continued, things warmed up again in March, providing ideal nutrients and growing conditions for the vines. From June onwards the weather was lovely and temperate, with sunny days and cool nights ensuring excellent flavor development and acid retention in the grapes. As harvest drew near, the weather turned warm providing a final push to ripeness. At the same time, the heavy winds that keep Rodgers Creek cool did their job, allowing us to give the grapes a few more precious weeks on the vine. Our block of Pommard Clone Pinot Noir from Rodgers Creek was harvested by hand in the cool, early morning hours of September 26, 2018.

The grapes for this Pinot Noir came from a vineyard called Rodgers Creek, which is perched at an elevation of 1,000 feet overlooking the city of Petaluma. It lies near the Rodgers Fault, which it is named after. This rugged, west-facing site benefits from rocky volcanic soils, and the steady cooling winds that flow through the Petaluma Gap.

• composition:

  100% Pinot Noir

• alcohol: 14.30%
• cases made:

  15 Barrels
  366 Cases

• bottling date: 08/07/2019
• aging:

  Aged 10 months in French oak, 27% new

• fermentation:

  Gently desteemed into open-top fermenters; three day cold soak; cap management included pump-overs & punch-downs