2013 "FRV" Chardonnay
Wine Specs
Vintage
2013
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast
Vineyard Designation
Fort Ross Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 20 – 22, 2013
Aging
10 months in French oak; 20% new
Bottling Date
August, 2014 - Unfined & Unfiltered
Alcohol %
13.5
Library Release! Only 4 cases remain.
The pale gold hue is evidence of subtle stirring of the lees and bottling without fining or filtration. The generous texture and layers of intense fruit seamlessly weave together with the vibrant acidity and minerality characteristic of the Fort Ross Vineyard’s coastal terroir. Floral aromas of citrus blossom, green apple and lemon tart with hints of marzipan and brioche captivate the senses. Tiers of apricot, autumnal pear with a dash of hazelnut and spice evolve on the broad palate leading to the expansive finish.
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
The hazy pale gold hue is evidence of subtle stirring of the lees and bottling without fining or filtration. The
generous texture and layers of intense fruit seamlessly weave together with the vibrant acidity and minerality
characteristic of the Fort Ross Vineyard’s coastal terroir. Floral aromas of citrus blossom, green apple and
lemon tart with hints of marzipan and brioche captivate the senses. Tiers of apricot, autumnal pear with a dash
of hazelnut and spice evolve on the broad palate leading to the expansive finish.
Vineyard Notes
From our mountain vineyard that overlooks the Sonoma Coast and now part of the new Fort Ross-Seaview American
Viticultural Area, Fort Ross Vineyard & 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 30 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 and their small crew began preparing the 50
acre vineyard in 1994. It took them 4 years of preparation before they could begin planting. The year 2000 marked the
first vintage from the Fort Ross Vineyard.
Production Notes
After heavy winter rains, the spring was warm and dry, followed by a dry summer. The vines began growing
quickly and fruitfully. To keep the crop load modest, we went through the vineyard three times to thin the crop
and position the canes and the bunches. After an unexpected rainfall in mid-September, the vineyard had time to
dry out before the harvest began. The Pinot Noir blocks were harvested between September 12 – 26, the
Chardonnay blocks between September 20 – 22 and the Pinotage on October 1.
Winemaker Notes
The grapes were handpicked during the cool hours of the night in small two-gallon picking trays then hand sorted in
the vineyard and gently whole cluster pressed at the winery. After pressing, the juice was put into barrels and
underwent primary and malolactic fermentation in a combination of 20% new and 80% neutral French oak. This
discrete use of new oak allowed the fruit to shine. This wine is comprised of small berried old Hyde field selection
chosen for its richness and sleek structure and small berried old Wente for its luscious fruit and grace. These heritage
field selections have full, complex flavors that are intensified by the small size of both the bunches and the berries.
Production
379 cases, 750ml
Other Notes
60% Old Hyde - 40% Wente field selections
2013 "FRV" Chardonnay
Library Release! Only 4 cases remain.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2013
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast
Vineyard Designation
Fort Ross Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 20 – 22, 2013
Aging
10 months in French oak; 20% new
Bottling Date
August, 2014 - Unfined & Unfiltered
Alcohol %
13.5