Winemaker's Notes
This is our first of two 2001 vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs from this coastal vineyard. Of those two, it is the more suave and integrated today. It is mainly from ‘Dijon clones’ which, I think, lend themselves to to sleeker, silkier Pinots in this region than some of the chunkier, wilder ‘California selections’ that have been used in the state for decades. Similar to the 2001 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, this has aromas of sassafras, red fruits, and sweet, damp earth. Additionally, it has aromas of hibiscus flowers and a long, gently penetrating finish that unfolds the many facets of this wine.
Judi Scherrer –
Restaurant Wine – Issue 97, 2003
Scherrer is now producing terrific Pinot Noirs. The Fort Ross version is extremely aromatic in character; a luscious, full bodied Pinot Noir, with intense, complex aromas/flavors and a very long finish. It combines fruitiness (black raspberry, cola nut) with an exotic floral character (rose petal, orange blossom), and overtones of nutmeg, tobacco, clove and toasted oak. 4+ stars Ronn Weigand
Judi Scherrer –
International Wine Cellar – February 2004
Dullish red. Aromatic nose of red fruits, nutmeg and mace. Sweet, rich and sappy, with rather Chambolle-like red fruit and spice flavors. could use a bit more focus in the mouth, but finishes with good length and fine tannins. Showed a stronger oak spice component as it opened in the glass. 88 points. Stephen Tanzer
Judi Scherrer –
Saveur – July 2004
Blackberry, potpourri, and carpenter-shop aromas; red berries and peppery licorice on the palate; elegant and shapely.