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2004 PINOTAGE. Fort Ross Vineyard - SOLD OUT

Wine Specs

Vintage

2004

Varietal

Pinotage

Appellation

Sonoma Coast

Harvest Date

October 2004

Aging

17 months

Bottling Date

March 02, 2006

Alcohol %

While Pinotage shares many traits with Pinot Noir, there is an earthy brambleness that distinguishes it from its more famous cousin. Aromas dense with ripe loganberry, roses and underlying hints of fragrant vanilla and wet-earth greet you. This dark inky hued Pinotage has a concentrated depth of bright, bold and luscious flavors that envelop the palate. Tiers of ripe blackberry, blueberry and a hint of smoke are enhanced by the spicy flavors that carry through to the lengthy, integrated finish of this complex and structured wine. Its appealingly bold textural components are the perfect accompaniment to hearty meals, spicy foods and grilled meats.

LIMITED PRODUCTION: 166 CASES PRODUCED.

90 POINTS - WINE SPECTATOR:

Ripe, juicy sour cherry and wild berry fruit teeters on tart, but is supple, fleshy and balanced, ending with a long, persistent finish. A rarity in California for this grape. Drink now through 2012.

2004 Pinotage Fort Ross Vineyard Tech Sheet

Wine Profile

Tasting Notes

While Pinotage shares many traits with Pinot Noir, there is an earthy brambleness that distinguishes it from its more famous cousin. Aromas dense with ripe loganberry, roses and underlying notes of fragrant vanilla and we-earth greet you. This dark inky hued Pinotage has a concentrated depth of bright, bold and luscious flavors that envelop the palate. Tiers of ripe blackberry, blueberry and a hint of smoke are enhanced by the spicy flavors that carry through to the lengthy, integrated finish of this complex and structured wine. Its appealingly bold textural components are the perfect accompaniment to hearty meals, spicy foods and grilled meats.

Winemaker Notes

Pinotage was first developed in South Africa in 1925 by crossing the two vinifera varieties, Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Our Pinotage consists of two Fort Ross proprietary clones, MM1 and MM3, developed from bud wood personally imported by Fort Ross from one of the most select Pinotage vineyards in South Africa. We vinify the variety much the same as our Pinot Noir. After hand sorting, the grapes were destemmed, cold soaked for several days and fermented in simple open-top fermenters and gently punched down. Shortly after pressing, the wines were barreled in a combination of new and used French oak. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Other Notes

After a very early budbreak and warm weather that accelerated vine development, it looked as if we would have a bountiful crop. However the weather turned cold during bloom and there was a very light berry set. Some blocks ultimately produced only a half a ton per acre. The climate was then moderate for most of the growing season but during August and early September there was a period of unusually hot and dry weather. Being so near to the ocean we were able to wait for the desired level of ripeness and fortunately the weather cooled off. The vineyard's marine-moderated climate allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and fully into mid-late September when we harvested small berries with complete flavor development and lively acidity.