FORT ROSS
2017 PINOT NOIR
SEA SLOPES
Fort Ross was one of the first to plant Pinot Noir on the extreme Sonoma Coast’s rugged ridges, overlooking the Pacific. After purchasing the land in 1988, the Schwartz family spent years experimenting with various clones, rootstocks, and trellising systems, before selecting a set of heritage clones that they believed would best reveal the terroir of their majestic vineyard. Their 2017 Sea Slopes is the delicious result of the culmination of their continual drive to make the best wines from their Estate, and at $30, the value is real.
Sea Slopes comes exclusively from the winery’s Estate Vineyard located in the Fort Ross Seaview AVA, a source for Peter Michael, Marcassin, Martinelli, Flowers, and Pahlmeyer, to list a few.
In 2009 renowned winemaker Jeff Pisoni came aboard to articulate the best attributes of the Estate further. Jeff barrel ages this wine for ten months in mostly neutral barrels to integrate the natural acidity, rich flavors, and soft tannins into a beautiful, perfumed Pinot Noir.
FORT ROSS
2017 PINOT NOIR
SEA SLOPES
Retails at: $35
Your Price: $29.99
“This red offers outstanding value for the quality: a balanced, textured and varietally satisfying expression of coastal coolness and acidity. Earthy flavors of tea, cola, black licorice and dried herb provide an exoticism amidst elegant layers of orange peel and cranberry.”
92 Points, Editors’ Choice
“Aromas of wild red flowers and red cherries, as well as raspberries here. The palate has a gently creamy texture with fine, supple and even-paced tannins, carrying vibrant, fresh-fruit flavors. Drink now. Screw cap.”
91 Points