Vineyard: Ridgetop

OwnerFrederick Schrader
AppellationSonoma Coast
SoilsAncient seabed and sandy loam
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Sojourn Ridgetop Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.58, 350 cases, $59. Released spring 2018. Vineyard is located on a remote site in the true Sonoma Coast near Annapolis. Small cluster size and tiny berries. Clones 115 667 and 777 were fermented separately in open-top tanks with native fermentation and then blended. The wine was aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Appealing aromas of blackberry fruit, animale, spice and sous bois. Lush fruit and plush mouthfeel are the wine’s two most outstanding features. Engaging, fullbodied flavors of blackberry and black raspberry carry over to the generous finish. A concentrated but spirited wine with deft oak management. Score: 93. Reviewed August 24, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Sojourn Ridgetop Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.58, 200 cases, $59. This is one of those secluded west Sonoma Coast vineyards that is very hard to get to. It is owned and managed by Thomas Rivers Brown and Fred Schrader with Ulises Valdez caring for the vineyard. It is surrounded by redwood trees at 1,100 feet elevation. This is unique site, located near Annapolis, is rather tropical. Yields are miniscule with concentrated flavors as vines struggle to grow in Goldridge loam soil and remnants of ancient seabed. Clones 115, 667 and 777 were fermented separately. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Soaring aromas of dark red cherry and berry with a compliment of spice and sous-bois. Exotic and foresty in the mouth, with engaging flavors of purple berries, pomegranate, blueberry and pine needle. Gentle in demeanor, with well integrated oak, and a juicy, persistent finish. Even better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing loads of enchanting black cherry, purple berry and spice flavors. A unique wine with character. Score: 94. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Sojourn Ridgetop Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.56, 250 cases, $59. Released fall 2016. Vineyard is owned and managed by Thomas Rivers Brown, Fred Schrader and Ulises Valdez and is located in the northern Sonoma Coast near Annapolis. The site is surrounded by redwoods at about 1,100 feet elevation. There is a notable maritime influence, with fog ever present and receding each day. Clones 115, 667 and 777 blended together after being separately fermented in open-tops with native yeast. Aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Gorgeous aromas of strawberry cherry and rose petal. Intriguing on the palate with a charge of black cherry, black raspberry, blueberry and spice flavors delivering a real mouthful of pleasure. Impeccably balanced, with a cashmere mouthfeel and a remarkable finish that offers good cut, length and a baby oil exit. Score: 94. Reviewed May 11, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Sojourn Cellars Ridgetop Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.55, 275 cases, $59. Release fall 2013. This vineyard is owned and managed by Thomas Rivers Brown and Fred Schrader and farmed by Ulises Valdez. Located in the remote coastal mountains near Annapolis, it is surrounded by redwoods at 1100 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Yields are minuscule with concentrated flavors. Clones 115, 667 and 777. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. The perfume draws you into the glass with aromas of darker plum and berry with notes of balsam and salt air. Delicious middleweight core of vibrant plum, black cherry, berry and cola flavors clothed in soft, lacy tannins, finishing with a lingering memory of cherry liquor. Very smooth in the mouth and discreetly sappy, this wine displays impeccable balance. Memorable. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »