VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

Search This Site:

Vineyard: Sangiacomo-Sonoma Coast

AppellationSonoma Coast
StoryLakeville and Fedrick vineyards.
VarietiesPinot Noir

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2017 Sojourn Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.67, 400 cases, $45. Release spring 2019. Clone 95 from Sangiacomo Roberts Road vineyard and Old Wente clone from Sangiacomo Vella Ranch and Green Acres. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, native yeast fermentation, aged in French oak barrels, 30% new. Bottled unfined. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The aromas of lemon oil, pineapple, apple and pastry creme draw you into the glass. The lovely flavors of lemon and pineapple are engaging. This sophisticated wine has a soothing texture, a foxy crispness, and a persistent, lip-smacking finish. A spirited, gorgeous wine! Score: 95. Reviewed February 3, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 La Follette Sangiacomo Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc, $38. Clusters picked earliest date ever (September 14) and pressed straight to barrel without cold settling, with the lees in contact with the wine throughout the aging process. · Light golden yellow color with a tinge of green in the glass. Hitone lemon creme aroma with some reductive slate addition. Pretentious charge of lemon-infused pleasure on entry with a bit of pineapple accent. The fruit really saturates the palate. Slight viscosity with a lemon drop, uplifting finish. This is a wine for fans of boisterous Chardonnay yet there is enough restraint to remind one of a great Meursault. Score: 95. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Pali Wine Co. Charm Acres Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.0% alc., 4,360 cases, $21, screwcap. Sourced from Windsor Oaks, Collins Ranch, Champlain Creek and Sangiacomo Family vineyards. No malolactic fermentation. Barrel fermented and aged 10 months in 25% new French oak. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Pleasant aromas of nutty lemon, peach, tropical fruits and toasty oak. Crisp and bright, and quite enjoyable, with flavors of lemon-lime, pear and white peach with a slight oak overlay, finishing with a burst of citrus-driven refreshment. Score: 89. Reviewed August 15, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 25,000 cases, $25, screwcap. Sourced from several vineyards in the Sonoma Coast including Sangiacomo, Dutton Ranch, Martinelli Woolsey Road and Goldrock Ridge vineyards. Whole cluster pressed, racked into French oak barrels for fermentation, 20% of which were new. 100% malolactic fermentation, aged on the lees for six months with occasional stirring. A few lots were fermented in stainless steel tanks and never went to barrel. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. I was enamored with the nose which kept pumping out aromas of lemon, spiced pear, golden apple and brioche. Easygoing on the palate, soft and smooth, with flavors of lemon, pear and toast embraced by acidity that is not too assertive. An impressive and very affordable appellation offering. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 On Point Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.56, 253 cases, $36. A blend of four clones (115, 667, 777 and Pommard) from Gap’s Crown (35%) and Sangiacomo (65%) vineyards. Aged 16 months in 30% new French oak. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Ripe fruited, with aromas and flavors of blackberry jam, black currant, plum reduction sauce and dried cherry. Notes of anise and spice add interest. A fruit-dominated wine that is discreetly concentrated with soft tannins and easy drink ability. Score: 87. Reviewed October 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 La Follette Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.60, 536 cases,$ 40. Dijon 777, 114 and Swan clones grown in the Sangiacomo Vineyard located on Robert’s Road in the Petaluma Gap. Indigenous yeast, fermented in open-top, modified dairy tanks. Aged 10 months in French oak. · Medium garnet color in the glass. Deep cherry aromas with a note of savory herbs and prominent oak presence. Lovely core of dark cherry fruit with a touch of spice and plenty of oak. The wine is juicy, with soft tannins and some finishing intensity. Tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine had transformed showing more fruit expression with much better integration of oak. I would decant this wine if you plan to drink now, or preferably, cellar it for another year to allow the oak to mitigate and the appealing fruit to elevate. Score: 90. Reviewed August 14, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Sojourn Cellars Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.57, 975 cases, $48. Released February 2012. This vineyard is located at the western base of Sonoma Mountain in the Petaluma Gap. Clones 115, 777 and small portions of Swan and Pommard. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Vibrant aromas of fresh cherry pie glaze and baking spice with oak in the background. Juicy and light on its feet, with flavors that echo the nose.Very smooth and comforting, slipping off the palate at the end leaving an impression of perfectly ripe black cherry fruit. A rather feminine wine that packs a wallop of flavor. Still satisfying the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 MacPhail Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., TA 0.57, 275 cases, $49. Released fall 2012. 50% Dijon 115 and 50% Pommard. Sourced from a vineyard located off Roberts Road in the Petaluma Gap. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, native fermentations, weekly lees stirring for 3 months, aged 11 months in 50% new and 50% 1 and 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The aroma of coffee-scented oak dominates the nose with little fruit evident. Perfectly ripe, vivid dark red fruit smothered in oak. Soft and smooth on the palate with gossamer fruit tannins and a refreshing finish. The oak will surely integrate better over time, but I fear this will always be an oaky wine. Decent. Reviewed October 26, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 La Follette Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

15.5% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.61, 480 cases, $39.99. Planted in 1998, this vineyard is located in the Petaluma Gap and is farmed by brothers Mike and Steve Sangiacomo and brother-in-law Mike Pucci. Clones 777, 114 and Swan. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red berry jam, toasty oak and graham, becoming more fruity over time in the glass. Moderately dense core of ripe, sappy dark red berry fruit with under notes of oak char. The mouth feel is remarkably velvety and the wine is quite suave. Fruit intensity accelerates over time in the glass. Needs time to integrate the imposing oak. Good. Reviewed January 11, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 La Follette Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $40. · Moderately intense reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose wants for fruit, featuring instead primarily smoke and ash aromas. Smoky and tarry cherry flavors that are slightly tart and fail to satisfy. A disappointing wine with fruit that never really surfaces and is overshadowed by a brisk acidity. Unsatisfactory. Reviewed November 7, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Sojourn Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.66, 580 cases, $48. This vineyard is located at the western base of Sonoma Mountain. Clones 115 and 777 are from blocks that are more than ten years old. · Plenty of Pinot singing here beginning with enticing aromas of mixed berry jam and spice box including cardamon. Delicious rainbow of berry fruits discreetly concentrated and beautifully layered. Silky smooth in the mouth with remarkable persistence on the aromatic finish. The fruit is pulled into perfect alignment with fine acidity and tannin, and the oak adds just the right nuances. Heaven sent. Reviewed April 23, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Mia’s Playground Sangiacomo Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 4,200 cases, $24. Named after Don’s sister, Mia. Aged 16 months in French oak. Sealed with NuKork. · Very expressive berry and cherry fruit with a hint of herbs, roses, oak and bacon. Plenty of dark red fruit with interesting compliments of earth, tobacco and herbs. Nicely balanced with a smooth texture and a clean and lingering finish. A serious wine for the tariff and recommended. Tasted three different times with consistent results. Reviewed August 4, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Alcina Cellars Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 264 cases, $53. · The nose evolves beautifully in the glass exhibiting wet and smoky oak, baked cherries, and grilled meat. Delicious black cherry onslaught leaving a gradually fading memory on the mildly dry finish. Very light and diaphanous with a smoky edge throughout. Thoroughly satisfying, the wine holds its alcohol well. Sold through a mailing list at www.alcinacellars.com. Reviewed August 4, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Vergari Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 162 cases, $ not released. This vineyard is located on the Santa Rosa Plain in Sonoma County in the cool Sonoma Coast appellation. Clones are Pommard and Dijon 115, 777. The wine was decanted. · Bright, medium ruby robe. A spicy nose to die for. A wine of great finesse that reveals itself slowly with many complex layers of Pinot fruits, spice, herbs, and sassafras. The texture is all silk and caresses the palate like satin. I feel a glow just thinking about this wine. Great! Reviewed December 4, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Sojourn Cellars Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 230 cases, $48. The Sangiacomo Vineyard that supplies the grapes for this wine in Cotati in the cool northern end of the Petaluma Gap. The wine is a blend of Dijon clones 115 and 777. · The nose is shy initially and needs plenty of swirling. Xmas spice, especially cinnamon, and leather become apparent. The flavors tend toward darker fruits with a hint of raisin. There is more richness in the mid-palate and the finish than the wine above and the alcohol is better integrated. The texture is smooth and the finish offers a nice soft landing. Reviewed July 9, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Sojourn Cellars Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Owner Craig Hasserot and winemaker Erich Bradley craft this excellent Pinot Noir that has been reviewed in the PinotFile favorably in the past. Tasting the wine in a blind lineup confirms my previous attraction to it. · This wine has shed some weight since last tasted and is quite lovely now. Plenty of flamboyant oak and smoke in the nose. Plush soft fruits leaning toward the red side with cinnamon spice. Elegant in style with lively acidity on the finish. Reviewed December 16, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2003 MacPhail Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 120 cases,$40. · Wet oak is overwhelming on the nose with an added unpleasant gasoline station smell. Smooth, plush darktoned fruits which are trumped by the oak and woodshed flavors. Taste better than it smells. Reviewed April 7, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

© 2003-2023 Rusty Gaffney MD | Contact the Prince: Prince@PrinceOfPinot.com | Admin Login