91 POINTS, 2 Stars - 2007 Pinot Noir Reserve, Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Although the richest of the several Fort Ross Pinots reviewed in this month's issue, the 2007 Reserve is also the most mannerly and refined of the bunch as well. Its inviting cherry and pastry-crust smells are followed up with like-minded flavors that show a certain measured refinement, and its extra time in the bottle is in part responsible for its polish. It makes for thoroughly satisfying drinking right now, but it still has room left for a bit of additional growth.
90 POINTS, 1 Star - 2009 Pinot Noir, Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Despite being located within splashing distance of the Pacific, the vineyards at Fort Ross sit high enough up in the coastal hills that they are able to give off wines that are both ripe and balanced. Here, the black cherry nature of the fruit is filled out by invitingly spicy nuances and hints of dried flowers.
90 POINTS, 1 Star - 2009 Pinot Noir Symposium, Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Nicely focused varietal fruit is the mainstay of this composed and carefully crafted offering... We are especially pleased with its continuity and its exceptional finishing length.
90 POINTS: 2005 PINOT NOIR RESERVE, Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
If cast in the same, slightly restrained model as its sibling, [2005 Fort Ross Pinot Noir] the Fort Ross Reserve [has] more richness and depth. It firms up at the finish ….after its supple beginnings, but its precise, well-defined fruit sustains nicely and encourages three or four years of further patience. Very limited availability. Medium Red. Balanced, good depth, medium tannin. Beef and lamb. Drinkable now. Further bottle aging can improve this wine. OCTOBER, 2008
90 POINTS: 2005 CHARDONNAY RESERVE, Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Slightly hazy in appearance and youthfully alive in its pulpy apple and pear aromas, this rich and fairly open wine holds little back in either nose or mouth. It is fleshy in feel with a viscous front end and a rounded finish that is lengthy, flavorful and layered. Bottle age is not required here, yet the wine's depth will hold it in good stead for a while. OCTOBER, 2008
91 POINTS: 2004 CHARDONNAY, Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Ripe and well-extracted with a strong sense of ripe apples as a counterpoint to its plentiful oak, this fleshy, yet firmly structured youngster shows fine continuity in the mouth and excellent length at the finish. It has a trace of eleventh-hour angularity to lose yet, but this is a Chardonnay that can take a bit of age, and a year or two of cellar time seem certain to bring it into near-classic form. JUNE, 2007
90 POINTS: 2003 CHARDONNAY, Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Persistent and plentiful fresh-apple fruitiness is the driving force of this vital and very well-made Chardonnay, and the wine's lightly laid-on oak and suggestions of minerals serve as comfortably complexing accents. Fairly intense, but not at all heavy, the wine is bright and balanced from front to back and ends with a lengthy and layered finish. Its shows its cool-climate origins without sacrificing richness, and it will make a fine foil to simply grilled swordfish or salmon or a wide range of richer shellfish dishes. JUNE, 2007
90 POINTS: 2002 CHARDONNAY RESERVE, Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
If a little hazy in appearance, the wine makes good use of its "extra" bits through its ripe, pulpy, juicy fruit in its impressively deep, creamily oaked aromas. It is full and viscous on the palate, and some may find it a little on the soft side, but its more than adequate fruit keeps it at the top of its game. It does not require much by way of age at this point and should be enjoyed in the near term. Very limited availability. JUNE, 2006