Growing Conditions
The Rodgers Creek Vineyard lies on the western flank of Sonoma Mountain at the southern end of the Petaluma Gap. Landmark’s source for the 2015 Rodgers Creek Pinot Noir is from two separate blocks planted almost twenty years ago at an elevation of 650 feet, subjecting the vines to the full force of the wind coming off the Pacific Ocean. The wind, coupled with the low fertility of the volcanic ash soils, limits the size of the canopy, producing small, intensely flavored berries with average yields barely over two tons per acre. The resulting wines are well-balanced with a mix of intense fruit and marked structure that express the character that is the signature of the Petaluma Wind Gap region.
Winemaking
The fruit was partially destemmed (85%), placed into one-ton fermenters and cold-soaked for five days before the native yeast fermentation began. During fermentation, each fermenter was hand-punched twice a day and, at dryness, each tank was
separately barreled down.
Aging
aged for ten months in French oak barrels (35% new) without racking
Food Pairing
The 2015 Rodgers Creek Pinot Noir pairs well with bolder meat dishes like a hearty beef Bourguignon, or a filet mignon with a mustard and mushroom sauce.
