Journeyman San Lorenzo The Pearl Alexander Valley 2021
Journeyman San Lorenzo The Pearl Alexander Valley
Region: Sonoma, California, USA
Vintage: 2021
Bottle size: 75cl
Grape: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignan
ABV: 15.5%
Rich and expressive, with aromas of black plum, bramble fruit and sweet spice. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, showing ripe dark fruit, finely grained tannins and balanced acidity. Old-vine Zinfandel and Petite Sirah give depth and structure, leading to a long, polished finish with lingering spice.
The Pearl represents the oldest vineyard block on San Lorenzo Vineyard, originating from the historic Rancho Soyotomo land grant awarded to Captain Fitch in 1841. Captain Fitch, who was General Vallejo's brother-in-law, established this planting between 1890 and 1894. San Lorenzo Vineyard encompasses 138 acres with 50 acres currently under vine, featuring predominantly hillside and bench terrain. The property holds dual appellation status, straddling both the northern Russian River AVA and southern Alexander Valley AVA within Sonoma County, California.
Grapes were harvested during nighttime hours and underwent destemming and double sorting before transfer to four-ton open-top fermentation tanks. The must underwent cold soaking for five days, with pump-overs performed twice daily and punch-downs once daily, all conducted under inert gas protection. Fermentation began on day six following inoculation with starter culture and discontinuation of cooling. Throughout the fermentation period, punch-downs and pump-overs occurred every six hours until the must reached below three brix, at which point tannin evaluation determined completion. The entire tank fermentation process spanned 17-18 days. The wine then underwent 100% ageing in François Frères barrels, with cooperage consisting of a third of each: new oak, one-year-old barrels, and two-year-old barrels.
The San Lorenzo vineyard was purchased by Pete Seghesio’s grandfather in 1896 using the ten gold coins he earned working as a cook for the local gold mines. Today, it is one of the most iconic vineyards in California, located alongside the Russian River and spanning both the Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley appellations. The south-facing slopes, rocky terraces and foggy mornings make it ideal for viticulture, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly. Originally 2.8 hectares in size, the vineyard has been added to over the years and now comprises 16 hectares of vines. Old deeds suggest that the vineyard was planted before 1892. This ‘Pearl’ of a vineyard is adjacent to Pete’s home, with a small cellar underneath.