By Fog and Wind
2023 Rodgers Creek Vineyard Sonoma Coast

The Vineyards
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 the wind and thick fog that define this cool-climate zone. A hillside block of Pommard Pinot Noir clone provides the foundation for this wine, with clone 667 adding layers of bright fruit and lush texture. The vines grow in light, chalky volcanic ash soils on steep inclines. This causes natural vine stress, giving the wine high concentration levels. The combination of unique soils and dominance of the Pommard clone results in a distinctive wine with signature aromatic notes of earth and mushroom each vintage.

Winemaker Notes
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. Rodgers Creek Vineyard benefited from 2023 winter rains, developing strong canopies that allowed the grapes to hang well into October. We fermented a portion of both the Pommard and 667 whole cluster, and the stem inclusion added a nice verve to the layers of lush red fruit and mature tannins.

Fermentation and Bottling Details
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir (20% whole cluster)
Winemaking: Open-top fermentation, native yeast
Aging: 50% new French oak
Bottling: Bottled unfined and unfiltered, June 2024
Release Date: Winter 2025

Finished Wine Details
Alcohol: 14.50%
pH: 3.64
TA: 6.0 g/L
AVA: Sonoma Coast
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

Wine: FOG AND WIND Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Rogers [sic] Creek Vineyard 2023
Score/Rating: 95
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2033
Review Date: 10/2025
Reviewed By: Jeremy Young
Tasting Notes: The 2023 Fog and Wind Rogers [sic] Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast presents a brilliant ruby hue with subtle garnet reflections that catch the light elegantly. The bouquet unfolds with aromas of red plum, wild blueberry, and dried rose petals mingling with hints of fresh thyme, wet sand, and ocean air. On the palate, layers of black cherry and cranberry compote weave through accents of clove, lemony herbs, and savory tea leaf, revealing both depth and vitality. The tannins are firm yet silken, lending structure to the wine’s lush mid-palate, while a fine line of acidity keeps everything in balance. Subtle mineral undertones echo through the finish, leaving behind traces of red fruit and gentle spice.