Sojourn Cellars: wines for every day of the week!

Not far from the main square in downtown Sonoma is a quaint little house-turned-tasting room. There’s a sign out front with a lawn chair on it. This inviting and casual space is the home of Sojourn Cellars.

What started as a mere 100-case release of Cabernet Sauvignon in 2001 has grown to an amazing portfolio of small-production offerings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well. When I recently visited the tasting salon, I was thrilled to taste seven different wines, each of them enjoyable with significant food-pairing potential.

The 2011 Chardonnay, Sangiacomo Vineyard, Sonoma Coast ($45/bottle; 250 cases produced) smells of honey blossom and white flowers. In the mouth, it is opulent and creamy thanks to the French oak treatment and 100% secondary fermentation. Baked apple and vanilla notes round out the mid-palate with refreshing hints of pineapple and ginger on the finish.

The 2011 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast ($39/bottle; 1250 cases produced) gives off delicate aromas of rose petal and red currants. It is on the lighter side with thrilling acidity, racy red cherry fruit flavors and dusty tannins with a whisper of smoke. This is an extremely easy-drinking wine that would pair nicely with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus or bacon-wrapped scallops.

The 2011 Pinot Noir, Rogers Creek Vineyard ($48/bottle; 550 cases produced) is dark and voluptuous for a Pinot. Perfumed with purple flowers and baking spice, the palate delivers a mélange of boysenberry, raspberry and black cherry fruit laced with a subtle earthiness. Wow!

The 2011 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley (not yet released) is silky smooth and elegant. This purple-hued beauty tastes like dark plum fruit and red candy and will only improve with a little age.

The 2011 Pinot Noir, Gaps Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast ($54/bottle; 800 cases produced) is chocolate-covered cherries in a glass. Dark ruby-red in color, this wine is luscious and mouth-filling; it could accompany many dark-meat dishes.

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District (please inquire for price and availability) tastes remarkably similar to the Cabernets from Terra Valentine (which I love!). Sourced from the Wurtle Vineyard, this Clone 7 Cab has aromas of black tea and dark fruit. Rich with minerals, the palate delivers satisfying flavors of ripe blueberry compote and blackberry jam. For a winery known for its Pinot Noir production, this Cab is absolutely delicious; a shining gem of a wine.

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III, Rutherford, Napa Valley ($95/bottle; 225 cases produced) is a big, serious wine with a lot of longevity. Definitively masculine, this wine is complex and structured with firm tannins and a lingering richness. Will cellar very well and pair perfectly with a filet mignon.

Maybe you're wondering about the lawn chair... I had to ask about the story behind it, because these wines are hardly the sip-by-the-pool kind. When the founders decided to name their winery “sojourn”, which means to vacation or rest (verb) or a visit (noun), a lawn chair was the obvious emblem for rest and relaxation. Proprietor Craig Haserot also thinks the lawn chair symbolizes the “laid-back” atmosphere in Sonoma County.

These wines are so good you will want to find a comfortable place in which to sit back and enjoy them!

Don’t forget to call ahead for an appointment at the Sojourn Tasting Salon the next time you’re planning a trip to Sonoma. I also highly recommend grabbing lunch at the Sonoma Cheese Factory (the pulled pork sandwich and slaw is to die for). More Sonoma-based winery recommendations to come soon. As always, I invite you to connect with me on Facebook. I look forward to your comments. Cheers!