By Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery
2014 "FRV" Pinot Noir Fort Ross Vineyard

Vineyard
From our mountain vineyard that overlooks the Sonoma Coast in the Fort Ross-Seaview American Viticultural Area, Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery produces limited quantities of single vineyard, Estate grown, cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinotage. With spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean less than one mile away, the vineyard is divided into 32 separate blocks, one-half to two acres in size, that range in elevation from 1700 down to 1200 feet above sea level. Owners, Lester and Linda Schwartz, with their small crew began preparing the 52-acre vineyard in 1994. It took them four years of preparation before they could begin planting. The year 2000 marked the first vintage from the Fort Ross Vineyard.

Vintage
2014 was the third year of bountiful harvests that again produced stellar wine of vibrancy and concentration. Protected from the drought by the late winter rains that quickly filled our pond, we could enjoy one of the few luxuries of being off the grid. As we train our grapes to grow on cordons, with evenly positioned buds that produce evenly placed shoots, we drop clusters that are not perfectly positioned. We worked through the vineyard three times to ensure that the bunches had optimal air circulation and sun exposure. The depth of flavor in the wines from this vintage reflects our meticulous handwork. August 17 marked the beginning of the harvest by picking a select block of Pinot Noir Dijon 777 for our Sparkling Wine. The remaining Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinotage ripened quickly and evenly and were harvested through September.

Winemaking
The grapes for this Pinot Noir were handpicked during the cool hours of the night in 2-gallon trays. After hand sorting, the fruit was cold-soaked for several days and fermented in a combination of 5 and 10-ton tanks. The caps were punched down 1 or 2 times per day, depending on the stage of the fermentation. The wines were then barreled in a combination of 40% new and 60% neutral French oak. Throughout the ten months of barrel aging, the clones and different vineyard lots were kept separate to maintain their distinct flavor profiles and structural components as blending elements.

Tasting Notes
The dense garnet hue is a prelude to the depth and complexity of this generous, full-bodied Pinot Noir. Enticing aromas of black raspberry and boysenberry harmoniously mingle with facets of violet, lavender, and savory hints of sage. Exuberant black cherry, raspberry and bramble berries greet the palate followed by subtle notes of wild strawberry, spice, and cola. Refined, supple tannins, and the Fort Ross Vineyard signature minerality are revealed through the layered, velvety finish. With its lively acidity and extraordinary balance, this fine Pinot Noir will elegantly evolve.

Wine Details
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast
Vineyard: Fort Ross Vineyard
Selections: Calera, Pommard, and Swan
Aging: 10 months in 100% French oak - 40% new
Alcohol: 13.50%
Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered
Harvested: September 2-23, 2014
Bottled: August 2015
Cases Produced: 712
Winemaker: Jeff Pisoni
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

Fort Ross Winery 2014 Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot Noir (Fort Ross-Seaview)
Points: 93
Designation: Fort Ross Vineyard
Variety: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma, California, US
Winery: Fort Ross Winery
Alcohol: 13.50%
Bottle Size: 750.00 ml
Category: Red
Date Published: 4/1/2019
Reviewed By: Virginie Boone
Tangy red cherry, rose petal and spicy cola combine on the palate around softened, silky tannins. Though smooth in feel, the palate still offers plenty of defined structure and elegant acidity.

FORT ROSS PINOT NOIR SONOMA COUNTY SONOMA COAST FORT ROSS VINEYARD 2014
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Country: United States
Region: California
Vintage: 2014
Score: 92
Lots of dried berry, meat and walnut aromas follow through to a full body, with layers of fruit and a juicy finish. Hints of chocolate and vanilla underneath it. Drink or hold.

2014 Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery Pinot Noir FRV
USA, California, North Coast, Sonoma County, Fort Ross-Seaview
Rating: 90+
Producer: Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery
Color: Red
Type: Table
Sweetness: Dry
Variety: Pinot Noir
Drink Date: 2017 - 2021
Issue Date: 28th Feb 2017
Source: 229, The Wine Advocate
Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Pale to med ruby in color, the 2014 Pinot Noir Fort Ross Vineyard seems just a little reduced/tarry to begin, soon giving way to fragrant raspberries, wild strawberries and underbrush notes with touches of game and lavender. Light-bodied with a silky, sophisticated palate, it delivers lovely energy and lingering earthy flavors.

2014 Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery Pinot Noir FRV
Rating: 89
Producer: Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery
Location: USA, California, North Coast, Sonoma County, Fort Ross-Seaview
Color: Red
Tasting Date: 6/14/2019
Maturity: 2019 - 2024
Reviewed By: Jeb Dunnuck
Source: The 2017s From Sonoma
Moving to the reds, the 2014 Pinot Noir FRV is drinking nicely with a spice, singed cedar, kirsch, and cherry-scented bouquet. This gives way to a medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, and balanced Pinot Noir that has loads of upfront appeal. Aged 10 months in 40% new French oak, this is a nicely balanced, classic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir to enjoy over the coming 4-5 years.

Fort Ross 2014 Fort Ross-Seaview FRV Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot Noir
Rating: 87
This wine has the same oceanic pungency as the Top of the Ridge pinot noir from Fort Ross, also recommended in this issue. Here, the tannins are black and bitter, the wine emphasizing extract, wood and warmth. It's big enough for braised boar.
(04/19)