Fort
Ross Vineyards is flying under the
radar! The estate is composed
of 28 small gem
vineyards situated on a ridge line at 1200
to 1700 feet above the Pacific ocean slightly less
than a mile away. Each one-half to two acre
parcel is planted with rootstocks, varietals, and
clones or field selections best suited to reveal the
sites distinctive terroir.
The carefully
selected fruit for the 07 Fort Ross Pinot Noir
was aged for 10 months in 30% new, thus
70% used French oak barrels, but the clones and
different vineyard blocks were kept separate to maintain
their distinct flavor profiles and structural components
as blending elements. After many blending trials,
this final unfiltered wine is a
masterful expression of vibrant
fruit, balance, and
refinement.
The 07 Fort Ross Pinot
Noir immediately seeks your attention with a darker
scarlet garnet color than one would
expect. Then it continues to captivate you
with a complexity of aromas including spicy black
tea, black-cherry cola, dried orange
zest, and a slight shroomy-earthy
note. The palate's weight is medium to full
bodied, but with an expansive lush mouthfeel
that is never heavy or ponderous. Juicy,
ripe briary red and black berries, hints
of exotic wood spices, and an underlying
minerality are carried on the lingering finish
by finely knit tannins and balancing
freshness. Please don't ask me if I really
like it!
