Winemaker's Notes
Essentially from some ‘declassified’ lots of Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot Noir (vineyard designate will be released this November), this wine has nothing to apologize for…at all. It could have been another vineyard designate with some fancy name, but that well ran dry on the RRV Pinot Noirs below. It leans slightly more toward a classical Burgundian brightness and structure than the 2001 vintage. This is a fine example of what the region can achieve.
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – September 2004
Medium-light brickish ruby; toasty, slightly stemmy, cherry and raspberry fruit aroma; medium to medium-full body; tight, tart, stemmy, red berry fruit flavors; medium to medium-full tannin; slighting lingering aftertaste. Straight forward and enjoyable now. Highly recommended. My score 85. Nick Ponomareff
Judi Scherrer –
Wine Enthusiast – November 2005
Shows real coastal character in the bright, crisp acids that tingle the palate, and the cola, rhubarb and cherry flavors that end with peppery spices. The silky airy texture is pure Pinot. 87 points. Steve Heimhoff