93 Points, Owen Bargreen 92 Points, International Wine Report
Tasting Notes
This wine represents the phenomenal Sonoma Coast growing region and the moderate weather patterns of the 2023 vintage. It has layers of complexity and strength while offering elegance and nuance, as Pinot Noir does at its best. This wine was made with lots from eight unique vineyards spread across the vast Sonoma Coast, from Annapolis in the north, to Occidental in the west, and down to the tip of the Petaluma Gap. Walala, Riddle, Sangiacomo, and Gap’s Crown vineyards are some of the key components.
The Vineyard
This wine is a blend of eight unique lots produced from Sonoma Coast vineyards ranging from Annapolis to Occidental, to the Petaluma Gap. Gap’s Crown, Sangiacomo, Walala, and Dorothy Cameron Vineyards represent key components used to produce this blend. Pinot Noir clones 115, 828, 667, Pommard, and Swan add unique elements, creating a complex Pinot Noir with a myriad of textures and flavors. Each vintage, this blend offers balance and vibrant, lush textures that are characteristic of the Gap’s Crown and Sangiacomo vineyard components.
Winemaker Notes
In 2023, plentiful winter rains took Sonoma out of a drought. A cool summer allowed the vines to ripen at an even pace, and the weather stayed moderate during the growing season with periodic light rains. Harvesting started three weeks later than normal and Pinot Noir yields were above average. The cooler weather resulted in fresh natural acidity and firmer tannins, both good for cellaring. Grape phenolics ripened at lower sugar levels, and the resulting 2023 Pinot Noirs are more “Burgundian” in nature. With the higher yields in 2023, we had more options to choose from to craft a Sonoma Coast blend with depth and intensity. Sangiacomo and Ueberroth vineyards formed the foundation of the blend, with Gap’s Crown, Rodgers Creek, Dorothy Cameron, and Walala all adding layers of complexity and structure.
Fermentation & Bottling
100% destemmed Pinot Noir
Open-top fermentation
Native yeast
50% new French oak
Bottled unfined and unfiltered
Bottled June 2024
Finished Wine Details
Alcohol: 14.4%
pH: 3.63
TA: 6.0 g/L
Release date: January 2025
2550 cases produced
AVA: Sonoma Coast
2023 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast 93 Points, Own Bargreen
Tasting Notes
This wine showcases the beautiful expression of Pinot Noir when grown in the cool climate and loamy soils of the Russian River Valley. For our 2023 vintage, we blended five vineyards and several clones by selecting barrels from each distinct, separately fermented lot to create this elegant appellation wine. Wohler Vineyard provides classic red fruit and earthy notes from its site adjacent to the river. Riddle Vineyard, located in Green Valley, contributes nuance and complexity. Bucher Vineyard, located near Rochioli, adds structure and fresh fruit flavors. Small portions from the renowned Reuling and UV Laguna Vineyards balance the blend, lending intense aromas and silky tannins.
The Vineyard
Our Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of five vineyards and several clones. This wine showcases the beautiful expression of Pinot Noir when grown in the cool climate and loamy soils offered within the Russian River Valley. Wohler Vineyard Pinot Noir provides classic Russian River Valley characteristics from its site adjacent to the river. Riddle Vineyard, located in Green Valley, provides complexity and nuance. Bucher Vineyard, near Rochioli, adds rich structure and fresh fruit flavors. A small proportion of the renowned Reuling and UV Laguna Vineyards balance out the blend with intense aromas, earthy notes, and silky tannins.
Winemaker Notes
In 2023, plentiful winter rains took Sonoma out of a drought. A cool summer allowed the vines to ripen at an even pace, and the weather stayed moderate during the growing season with periodic light rains. Harvesting started three weeks later than normal, and Pinot Noir yields were above average. The cooler weather resulted in fresh natural acidity and firmer tannins, both good for cellaring. Grape phenolics ripened at lower sugar levels, and the resulting 2023 Pinot Noirs are more “Burgundian” in nature. In 2023, we produced this blend by selecting barrels from each distinct Russian River Valley Pinot Noir lot that was fermented and aged separately in French oak barrels. This vintage offers balance and nuance with complex red fruit aromas.
Fermentation & Bottling
100% destemmed Pinot Noir
Open-top fermentation
Native yeast
50% new French oak
Bottled unfined and unfiltered
Bottled August 2024
Finished Wine Details
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH: 3.59
TA: 5.7 g/L
Release date: Summer 2025
975 cases produced
AVA: Russian River Valley
What’s Included
4-bottles:
2x 2023 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
2x 2023 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Case:
Based in the town of Sonoma, Sojourn Cellars is a highly acclaimed winery specializing in the production of artisan Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. We source fruit from celebrated vineyards in both Sonoma and Napa Counties, and we help direct farming operations to assure that our grapes are produced using world-class growing techniques. We have consistently produced high-quality wines with a hands-off natural winemaking style that showcases the character and personality of individual vineyards.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Good evening Casemates! Checking in from SoCal with a bottle of 2023 Sojourn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. When WineDavid calls, I answer, and this is a fun one for me personally. As WineDavid knows, my discovery of Sojourn Pinot, early in my wine journey, was a pivotal moment that led me to the wine business. It indirectly introduced me to WineDavid. Shortly thereafter, I moved my family to Sonoma. (And the rest, as they say, is history…!)
…and full disclosure- I wound up working at Sojourn for a year, and still work with Sojourn’s winemaker on another project. I pride myself on being a fairly objective Lab rat, but I thought ya’ll should know… But enough about me. Let’s talk about Pinot!
Being that this bottle is a 2023, (a young-in!), I decanted it for 45 minutes before pouring a glass.
This Pinot is a vibrant shade of garnet with nice clarity.
The nose is gentle, but getting in the glass reveals pleasant aromas of dessert… a mixture of cherry pie and a boysenberry crumble.
On the palate - gobs of rich fruit! Strawberries and tart cherries. There’s a subtle, refreshing citrus undertone a dusting of baking spice and a hint of salinity. The wine has a good weight to it, with nice texture and a medium finish.
This is a nice, easy-drinking Pinot - which I’ve come to expect with Sojourn. While not as complex as some of the vineyard designate offerings, this AVA wine is a crowd pleaser, and overdelivers for the price, IMHO. And at the Casemates price, solid QPR!!!
Thank you as always to WD and the WCC crew in Sonoma!
@neilfindswine
Neil, with the sales of the winery in recent years, is the winemaker you reference responsible for this (these) bottles and still the current winemaker? How far back does his(?) history with Sojourn go?
@losthighwayz@neilfindswine I’m not complaining about the “case price discount” or, reversed, the “small order penalty.”
A lot of things like this I might like to give a try to but not knowing the wine don’t want to risk a whole case (+fill up the basement hallway more). Makes me more likely to buy!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Sojourn Cellars Pinot Noirs - $30 = 9.99%
WE on the RRV:
93 points. This broad and rich Pinot delivers aromas of black cherry, plum skin, cinnamon and black tea on the nose, while the palate shows tart berry character, plush tannin and a lift of pithy orange peel acidity and echoes of flowers and spice along the finish. — Tom R. Capo 10/1/25
The Owen Bargreen RRV musings:
93 points. A great wine at the entry level. Offers salty soils with tart cranberry and Yakima cherries flavors on the palate, with sage and lavender water notes. Nicely textured, showing good tension, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years.
Mr. Bargreen, the Sonoma Coast:
93 points. This is one of the first of its kind from 2023 that I have tasted, coming from the Sonoma Coast AVA. Salty soils and cranberry tones mark the nose alongside shades of blood orange zest. The palate is soft and refined with good salty character with cran-cola and shades of Bing cherry. Very delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2024-2032 12/17/2024
That IWR note on the Sonoma Coast:
92 points…sports a medium-bright ruby core with a light pink rim. The nose is alive with the freshness of ocean kissed sand, layered with bright cranberry, tangy pomegranate and a subtle hint of ruby grapefruit zest. On the palate, this Pinot delivers a silky, refined texture, showcasing flavors of red cherry compote, black tea, and a delicate thread of mineral salinity. Balanced and effortlessly drinkable the wine offers a medium-bodied profile with a seamlessly interplay of fruit and coastal nuances. Jeremy Young
WE the SC:
92 points. This bright and juicy Pinot delivers a punch of lively pomegranate, soy sauce and orange peel aromas on the nose, with lively acidity, supple tannin and energetic red fruit on the palate, before a long finish with echoes of cola spice, purple flowers and pithy orange. — Tom R. Capo 10/1/25
Spectator, Sonoma Coast:
93 points. Leads off with a fresh, juicy burst of raspberry and boysenberry fruit that cruises through, pulling in dried anise and rose hip notes along the way. A lightly singed balsam wood frame holds the finish. Drink now through 2031. 2,550 cases made.—J.M. 6/16/25
Jeb Dunnuck, the SC:
90 points. A youthful ruby red color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is a spicy and floral offering with forward notes of clove, brambly herbs, toasted incense, red cherries, and crushed flowers. Medium-bodied, it has fine tannins, an even, refreshing feel, and a chalky, stemmy spice on the finish. Drink over the next 4-5 years. Drink 2025-2030 7/2/25
That’s about it. Sojourn has been popping up quite a bit lately here and there. (who cares, right?)
@kaolis@rjquillin In everywhere that isn’t here. More “United States exceptionalism” that just creates confusion. Like not using the metric system.
The most truly unambiguous date format is yyyy-mm-dd and it’s the only one I use.
@klezman@rjquillin I’m old, lived USA all my life, not a scientist, so y’all know that the exceptionalism you reference doesn’t confuse me at all…now a lot of other things might confuse me, that’s for sure
@kaolis@klezman@rjquillin I agree on that format. I have a folder with all of my pictures, and subfolders are named by “YYYY-MM-DD Event” so that they are always ordererd by date.
@kaolis@klezman@Mark_L@rjquillin before I retired all our software releases were dated like 231031. Didn’t need the leading 1900s and skipped the dashes because some old systems didn’t like ‘em. System worked for many years, and hopefully still now.
[231031 was my retirement date ]
EDIT I was taught the metric system in grade school the 1970s and within 10 years the whole country would be using it!
2023 Sojourn Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. A great deal on a well made premium Pinot. Like the other rattage, a disclaimer. I have been a Sojourn Club member for 15 years because of their consistently good wines and great tasting experience. Come to Sonoma and try it! I am thrilled to see their wines on Casemates at prices club members only dream of. It’s an autobuy for me.
The 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a gorgeous bright ruby in the glass. Its translucence is a tip to the lighter style of Pinot you’ll get on the palate. Highly aromatic, juicy ripe cherry, sweet strawberry and tart cranberry aromas burst from the glass. The layers of big fruit aromas are framed by a light earthiness, hints of vanilla and a very slight salinity. It’s a really wonderful bouquet that keeps you lingering before taking a sip.
Upon entry, a seriously bright acidity leads the way. Light on the palate, the fruit shifts to dark cherry and plum notes with gentle tannins. The finish is long, leading with fruit flavors leaning toward dark cherry pie and blueberry.
Knowing this wine, I fired up the pizza oven. The bright acidity pairs extremely well with tomato sauce. It’s a “Pizza and Pinot” dream match. A lighter style than most of the Sojourn single vineyard wines of the same vintage, the Sonoma Coast’s bright profile is a good match for Italian food and barbecue sauces with a tomato base.
Sojourn typically makes a Sonoma Coast label every year, and I find them always to be of quality and good value. Cheers!
@losthighwayz Sojurn is a very good winery. I remember De Negoce offered a single vineyard Sta. Rita Hills pinot noir a few years ago and speculation on the board was that the best case scenario was that the wine bottled under DN’s name was Sojurn. Of course, as with all white label wines like this we never figured out what the origin was. But the wine was great!
@losthighwayz just to set your mind at ease, I am a wine buyer like you. And like many on this site a regular buyer of wines from producers I like. I am sure others belong to wine clubs too. My connection is that I give them money (apparently too much ) and they give me wine. FWIW I did my best to provide my honest opinion
2023 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
93 Points, Owen Bargreen
92 Points, International Wine Report
Tasting Notes
The Vineyard
Winemaker Notes
Fermentation & Bottling
Finished Wine Details
2023 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
93 Points, Own Bargreen
Tasting Notes
The Vineyard
Winemaker Notes
Fermentation & Bottling
Finished Wine Details
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $576/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Oct 6 - Wednesday, Oct 8
Sojourn Cellars Pinot Noirs
4 bottles for $99.99 $25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $269.99 $22.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2023 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
2023 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Good evening Casemates! Checking in from SoCal with a bottle of 2023 Sojourn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. When WineDavid calls, I answer, and this is a fun one for me personally. As WineDavid knows, my discovery of Sojourn Pinot, early in my wine journey, was a pivotal moment that led me to the wine business. It indirectly introduced me to WineDavid. Shortly thereafter, I moved my family to Sonoma. (And the rest, as they say, is history…!)
…and full disclosure- I wound up working at Sojourn for a year, and still work with Sojourn’s winemaker on another project. I pride myself on being a fairly objective Lab rat, but I thought ya’ll should know… But enough about me. Let’s talk about Pinot!
Being that this bottle is a 2023, (a young-in!), I decanted it for 45 minutes before pouring a glass.
This Pinot is a vibrant shade of garnet with nice clarity.
The nose is gentle, but getting in the glass reveals pleasant aromas of dessert… a mixture of cherry pie and a boysenberry crumble.
On the palate - gobs of rich fruit! Strawberries and tart cherries. There’s a subtle, refreshing citrus undertone a dusting of baking spice and a hint of salinity. The wine has a good weight to it, with nice texture and a medium finish.
This is a nice, easy-drinking Pinot - which I’ve come to expect with Sojourn. While not as complex as some of the vineyard designate offerings, this AVA wine is a crowd pleaser, and overdelivers for the price, IMHO. And at the Casemates price, solid QPR!!!
Thank you as always to WD and the WCC crew in Sonoma!
@neilfindswine
Neil, with the sales of the winery in recent years, is the winemaker you reference responsible for this (these) bottles and still the current winemaker? How far back does his(?) history with Sojourn go?
@neilfindswine @rjquillin good question
@rjquillin He was there at the beginning (co-founder) and is there today. In 2023 he was Director of Winemaking.
@neilfindswine not sure how the case price is a screaming deal when it’s only $2.50 less per bottle than the 4-pack?
@losthighwayz
either way, it’s solid QPR for a $48 bottle.
@losthighwayz @neilfindswine I’m not complaining about the “case price discount” or, reversed, the “small order penalty.”
A lot of things like this I might like to give a try to but not knowing the wine don’t want to risk a whole case (+fill up the basement hallway more). Makes me more likely to buy!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Sojourn Cellars Pinot Noirs - $30 = 9.99%
WE on the RRV:
93 points. This broad and rich Pinot delivers aromas of black cherry, plum skin, cinnamon and black tea on the nose, while the palate shows tart berry character, plush tannin and a lift of pithy orange peel acidity and echoes of flowers and spice along the finish. — Tom R. Capo 10/1/25
The Owen Bargreen RRV musings:
93 points. A great wine at the entry level. Offers salty soils with tart cranberry and Yakima cherries flavors on the palate, with sage and lavender water notes. Nicely textured, showing good tension, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years.
Mr. Bargreen, the Sonoma Coast:
93 points. This is one of the first of its kind from 2023 that I have tasted, coming from the Sonoma Coast AVA. Salty soils and cranberry tones mark the nose alongside shades of blood orange zest. The palate is soft and refined with good salty character with cran-cola and shades of Bing cherry. Very delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2024-2032 12/17/2024
That IWR note on the Sonoma Coast:
92 points…sports a medium-bright ruby core with a light pink rim. The nose is alive with the freshness of ocean kissed sand, layered with bright cranberry, tangy pomegranate and a subtle hint of ruby grapefruit zest. On the palate, this Pinot delivers a silky, refined texture, showcasing flavors of red cherry compote, black tea, and a delicate thread of mineral salinity. Balanced and effortlessly drinkable the wine offers a medium-bodied profile with a seamlessly interplay of fruit and coastal nuances. Jeremy Young
WE the SC:
92 points. This bright and juicy Pinot delivers a punch of lively pomegranate, soy sauce and orange peel aromas on the nose, with lively acidity, supple tannin and energetic red fruit on the palate, before a long finish with echoes of cola spice, purple flowers and pithy orange. — Tom R. Capo 10/1/25
The Nittany Epicurean on the SC here
Spectator, Sonoma Coast:
93 points. Leads off with a fresh, juicy burst of raspberry and boysenberry fruit that cruises through, pulling in dried anise and rose hip notes along the way. A lightly singed balsam wood frame holds the finish. Drink now through 2031. 2,550 cases made.—J.M. 6/16/25
Jeb Dunnuck, the SC:
90 points. A youthful ruby red color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is a spicy and floral offering with forward notes of clove, brambly herbs, toasted incense, red cherries, and crushed flowers. Medium-bodied, it has fine tannins, an even, refreshing feel, and a chalky, stemmy spice on the finish. Drink over the next 4-5 years. Drink 2025-2030 7/2/25
That’s about it. Sojourn has been popping up quite a bit lately here and there. (who cares, right?)
fwiw
@kaolis Humm…
must have been tasting futures
@rjquillin aww come on, you the drill… publication/issue date… ha!
@kaolis
@kaolis @rjquillin That’s just January 10th
@kaolis @klezman
In Canada
@kaolis @rjquillin In everywhere that isn’t here. More “United States exceptionalism” that just creates confusion. Like not using the metric system.
The most truly unambiguous date format is yyyy-mm-dd and it’s the only one I use.
@klezman @rjquillin I’m old, lived USA all my life, not a scientist, so y’all know that the exceptionalism you reference doesn’t confuse me at all…now a lot of other things might confuse me, that’s for sure
@kaolis @klezman
likewise on the date format; one thing we can totally agree on
@kaolis @klezman @rjquillin I agree on that format. I have a folder with all of my pictures, and subfolders are named by “YYYY-MM-DD Event” so that they are always ordererd by date.
@klezman @Mark_L @rjquillin well sure it makes sense…but but…
@kaolis @klezman @Mark_L @rjquillin before I retired all our software releases were dated like 231031. Didn’t need the leading 1900s and skipped the dashes because some old systems didn’t like ‘em. System worked for many years, and hopefully still now.
]
[231031 was my retirement date
EDIT I was taught the metric system in grade school the 1970s and within 10 years the whole country would be using it!
@kaolis @klezman @Mark_L @pmarin
They were saying the same thing in the 60’s too
2023 Sojourn Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. A great deal on a well made premium Pinot. Like the other rattage, a disclaimer. I have been a Sojourn Club member for 15 years because of their consistently good wines and great tasting experience. Come to Sonoma and try it! I am thrilled to see their wines on Casemates at prices club members only dream of. It’s an autobuy for me.
The 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a gorgeous bright ruby in the glass. Its translucence is a tip to the lighter style of Pinot you’ll get on the palate. Highly aromatic, juicy ripe cherry, sweet strawberry and tart cranberry aromas burst from the glass. The layers of big fruit aromas are framed by a light earthiness, hints of vanilla and a very slight salinity. It’s a really wonderful bouquet that keeps you lingering before taking a sip.
Upon entry, a seriously bright acidity leads the way. Light on the palate, the fruit shifts to dark cherry and plum notes with gentle tannins. The finish is long, leading with fruit flavors leaning toward dark cherry pie and blueberry.
Knowing this wine, I fired up the pizza oven. The bright acidity pairs extremely well with tomato sauce. It’s a “Pizza and Pinot” dream match. A lighter style than most of the Sojourn single vineyard wines of the same vintage, the Sonoma Coast’s bright profile is a good match for Italian food and barbecue sauces with a tomato base.
Sojourn typically makes a Sonoma Coast label every year, and I find them always to be of quality and good value. Cheers!
@cyclensip hey, where’s the pepperoni and sausage on that beautiful looking pie?!
@kaolis LOL caught that … munched by the pizzaiolo and helpers before the pies were made!
Interesting that both rats have connections to the winery. I would prefer rattage from others tbh
@losthighwayz Sojurn is a very good winery. I remember De Negoce offered a single vineyard Sta. Rita Hills pinot noir a few years ago and speculation on the board was that the best case scenario was that the wine bottled under DN’s name was Sojurn. Of course, as with all white label wines like this we never figured out what the origin was. But the wine was great!
@losthighwayz just to set your mind at ease, I am a wine buyer like you. And like many on this site a regular buyer of wines from producers I like. I am sure others belong to wine clubs too. My connection is that I give them money (apparently too much
) and they give me wine. FWIW I did my best to provide my honest opinion
@cyclensip fair enough thanks!