By Fog and Wind
2023 Gap's Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast

The Vineyards
Gap's Crown Vineyard has become one of the most iconic Pinot Noir vineyards in the Sonoma Coast. It was originally developed by Premier Pacific Vineyards between 2002 and 2005 and later purchased by Price Family Vineyards in 2013. In 2007, Sojourn Cellars became one of the first to make a vineyard-designated wine from Gap's Crown. Our clone 115 block, planted in 2005 on 3309 rootstock at 800 ft elevation, has been the foundation for Sojourn since we began making Pinot Noir from this vineyard. Our clone 828 block was planted in 2002 on 420A rootstock, and two clone 667 blocks round out the blend, both planted in 2004 on 3309 rootstock. This hillside vineyard is situated on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain and is cooled by the persistent wind and fog of the Petaluma Gap.

Vintage
In 2023, plentiful winter rains took Sonoma out of a drought. A cool summer allowed the vines to ripen evenly, 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. 2023 is my favorite vintage yet from Gap's Crown due to its balanced structure and elegance. The cool weather allowed the grapes to mature with more balance. Our blocks of clone 667 offered small berries with deep flavors and silky tannins. Clone 115 from the top of the vineyard brought fresh red fruit and acidity, while clone 828, fermented whole cluster, added structure and earth notes.

Production
AVA: Sonoma Coast
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir (15% whole cluster)
Winemaking: Open-top fermentation, native yeast
Aging: 50% new French oak
Alcohol: 14.60%
pH: 3.62
TA: 6.0 g/L
Bottling: Bottled unfined and unfiltered, August 2024
Release Date: Winter 2025
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

Wine: FOG AND WIND Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Gap’s Crown Vineyard 2023
Score/Rating: 96
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2033
Review Date: 10/2025
Reviewed By: Jeremy Young
Tasting Notes: The 2023 Fog and Wind Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast opens with a radiant garnet hue that deepens at the center, rimmed by flickers of crimson light. The nose is intricate and alluring, unfolding with aromas of wild raspberries, fresh sage, black tea leaves, and hints of cocoa powder mingled with forest moss after rain. On the palate, flavors of macerated cherries and cranberry compote glide alongside touches of rose petal and cardamom, creating a seamless interplay between fruit and spice. The texture is supple yet energetic, with silky tannins supporting a finely tuned structure. Gentle oak influence adds a whisper of vanilla pod and cedar, rounding out the wine’s graceful frame. The finish lingers with vibrant red fruit and a subtle mineral echo that reflects the cool, coastal origins of Gap’s Crown.