Winery Spotlight: Sojourn Cellars

Craig Haserot of Sojourn Cellars has been at the helm of this boutique producer, leading the charge to create an all-star lineup of Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and Chardonnay. His strong personality pairs well with his rabid enthusiasm for the wines he produces, which he holds in high esteem. His favorable impression of his product isn’t just a byproduct of his ego; it’s organic, supported by the cheers and admiration of a dedicated following of people who actively seek out his vineyard designate wines.

When he began Sojourn Cellars, his aim was to produce a world class Pinot that could rival that of Kosta Browne, William Selyem, and other similar higher end producers whose wares commanded top dollar and earned high regards from critics. To that end, he has succeeded, and maybe even surpassed his goals, all the while keeping prices fairly even. While producers like William Selyem raised production numbers drastically to meet demand, Craig has kept his output steady, unwilling to sacrifice quality for quantity and demand.

Their production includes an impressive list of single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, all of which seem to have 90+ point ratings from numerous sources. Each wine serves as an ambassador of a particular vineyard and region, bringing with it a defining character that’s focused and expressive of the terroir. His vineyard-designate Pinots come from a number of prized locations, mostly from the Sonoma Coast AVA – Campbell Ranch, Rodgers Creek, Gap’s Crown, and Silver Eagle; and a newer offering sourced from Wohler Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The same approach holds true for his Cabernet Sauvignon offerings, born out of the rugged slopes of Spring Mountain, and the renowned Rutherford bench area of Napa.

With little distribution, you’ll have a tough time finding these wines on the shelf. However, we have sourced a few offerings including the 2012 Pinot from Rodgers Creek Vineyard, which we’re pleased to offer.

Our Sojourn pick of the week

2012 Sojourn Pinot Noir ‘Rodgers Creek Vineyard’ Sonoma Coast – Wine Spectrum Rated 94+, Pinot Report 94

Rodgers Creek Vineyard is well-suited for Pinot noir, sitting high on a ridge in the heart of the Petaluma Gap and taking the full brunt of wind and thick fog that defines this cool climate zone. Sojourn’s blocks within the vineyard are western-facing with broad sun exposure. In the warm 2012 vintage, this exposure to the elements was a key factor in allowing the grapes to hang and achieve complex flavors and ripe tannins. The resulting wine is a fabulous expression of the vineyard site and unique soils. It is a showy wine – very expressive and forward, with smooth textures and a lingering finish. Familiar aromas of mushroom and soy overlay layers of red fruit flavors, earth and hints of rosemary.