This nearly opaque garnet hued wine shows great complexity, integrating both the pure fruit and earthy qualities found in fine Pinot Noirs. The grapes for this cuvée are sourced from several of the lowest yielding blocks located at the highest elevations of the Fort Ross Vineyard. Layered aromatics of black tea, bing cherry, and bramble berries are accented by the slighted hint of lavender. The palate opens up with red berries and black plums followed by warm spice and firm, dusty tannins. The Fort Ross Vineyard signature minerality is revealed through the seamless, silky finish.

93 Points –  Wine Advocate
The 2017 Pinot Noir Estate Top of Land takes its time to unfurl to cranberries and blackberries with nuances of black tea, woodsmoke, dusty earth and amaro. The medium-bodied palate is spicy and nuanced with a grainy frame and long, uplifted finish. 

93 Points –  James Suckling
Dried leaves, sweet tobacco, spices and dried red and dark cherries abound here. This has impressive layering of fine tannin and ripe, fresh red cherries that build nicely into the long, plush and silky finish. Drink or hold. September, 2019.

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Aged 10 months in 45% new French oak and all from the estate Fort Ross Vineyard, the 2017 Pinot Noir Top Of Land gives up an elegant, layered, medium-bodied style that offers more dark berry fruits, mulberries, toasted spice, and dried earth nuances. It's complex and has a seamless texture, polished tannins, and a good finish. This is another charming, balanced, classic wine from this address.

★★★★+ EXCELLENT - Restaurant Wine, Ronn Wiegand MS/MW
The Top of Land is complex and vibrant, an excellent Pinot Noir in a medium-full style that is balanced, crisp, long on the palate, and persistent on the finish, tasting of cherry, rose petal, pomegranate, and toasty oak. Very fine quality; can be aged.