Wine Spectator tasters review wines on the following 100-point scale:
95-100 Classic: a great wine
90-94 Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style
February 2016
90 Chardonnay 2014 Fort Ross Vineyard, Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast
Robust and richly flavored, built around honeyed apricot, fig and melon notes, with cedary oak accents. Drink now through 2020. –JL
June 2015
90 Chardonnay 2012 Fort Ross Vineyard, Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast
Seductively smoky, toasty oak meets rich, full-bodied pear, apple, honeydew and nectarine flavors. The finish is juicy and spicy, with a green fig aftertaste that lingers. Drink now through 2019. –JL
April 2014
90 PINOT NOIR 2010 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Offers a firm, rustic backbone, dense and tight, with blackberry, raspberry, anise and spicy notes. This is young and chewy, ending with a persistent finish and vibrancy that suggests a long life ahead. Drink now through 2021. –JL
September 2013
90 PINOT NOIR RESERVE 2009 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Offers lots of smoky, toasty oak, with fruit to match, cloaking rich dark berry flavors that are intense, deep and persistent. Shows impressive purity, backbone and density. Needs time. Best from 2014 through 2023. 303 cases made. –JL
90 PINOT NOIR SEA SLOPES 2010 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
This offers an exacting mix of fresh, vibrant dark berry, crushed rock, watermelon and raspberry flavor. Intermittently supple, yet very firm on the finish. Drink now through 2022. –JL
July 2012
90 CHARDONNAY 2009 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Fragrant peach, honeysuckle, hazelnut and spice notes join a touch of anise. Smooth, rich and creamy, this glides along gracefully. Drink now through 2017. 863 cases made. –JL
October 2011
90 PINOT NOIR RESERVE 2007 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Offers deep, complex, focused plum, mineral and black cherry fruit that's supple and delicate. Full-bodied, ending with a subtle mix of flavors laced with sassafras. Drink now through 2016. 344 cases made. –JL
June 2010
91 PINOT NOIR 2007 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
A rich, layered style, with firm, intense black cherry, plum and wild berry flavors that are full-bodied, intense and complex, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2017. –JL
September 2008
92 PINOT NOIR RESERVE 2005 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Spicy cola, raspberry, cranberry and savory herb and dried cherry fruit give this an intriguing range of complex flavors. Balanced, elegant and structured. –JL
90 PINOT NOIR 2005 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Fragrant plum, wild berry and raspberry, with spice, mineral, sage and cedary oak give this depth and firmness and a savory pleasant earthiness. –JL
90 PINOTAGE 2004 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
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. –JL
May 2007
92 PINOT NOIR RESERVE 2004 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Deep and complex, with wonderful earth, clay, spice and earthy berry flavors that become more expansive on the palate, with dense, chewy currant, mineral and anise. Ends with a long finish and ample tannins. –JL
92 PINOT NOIR SYMPOSIUM 2003 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Ripe, plush and deep, with complex plum, blackberry and wild berry fruit that's supple and polished, finishing with a long, intense aftertaste that keeps the fruit at the forefront. –JL
91 PINOT NOIR 2004 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Fragrant, spice, wild berry, black cherry and floral notes. Intense yet supple, polished and elegant, ending with a delicate fruity aftertaste that lingers. –JL
91 PINOT NOIR 2003 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Supple, rich and polished, with smooth blackberry and black cherry fruit that's focused and long on the finish. –JL
91 PINOTAGE 2003 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Pure and delicious, with a core of ripe blackberry, wild berry and cherry fruit that’s supported by lively acidity and firm yet ripe tannins. Ends with a nice spicy, earthy quality. –JL
90 CHARDONNAY 2004 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Smoky marshmallow, fig and toasty oak aromas give this a big initial impression. Yet for all of its size and richness this holds together nicely, finishing with a rich aftertste of fruit and wood. –JL
January 2007
93 CHARDONNAY 2003 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
A classy wine that's sleek and stylish. Ripe, intense and fleshy, with lively green apple, pear, butterscotch and cream notes leading to a smooth, silky texture and a long, integrated finish. –JL
October 2002
90 CHARDONNAY RESERVE 2002 Fort Ross Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Smooth and polished, with a delicate mix of ripe pear, apple and fig flavors, with a light toasty oak overlay and a dash of nutmeg, Finishes with a long, elegant aftertaste. –JL