2015 Sea Slopes Pinot Noir
Sea Slopes Pinot Noir is inspired by the majestic Sonoma Coast and the steep rugged ridges perched at the golden edge of the continent. Here, the cool maritime climate produces fruit of exceptional quality and allows us to craft wines of great elegance and purity.
93 Points, Buying Guide: Year’s Best Pinot Noirs - Wine & Spirits
This is a new project focusing on more affordable wines from Fort Ross Vineyards, where Jeff Pisoni makes the wines for Lester and Linda Schwartz, a South African couple who planted the vineyard in 1994. An earthy, coastal pinot, this has an elastic tension to the structure that reminded some of our tasters of certain Williams Selyem wines from the far coast. It's black and bitter when first opened, needing air for the tannins to recede and for the refined, fresh flavors to come to the fore. The tannins continue to give it shape and enhance its power; this is a wine to cellar for a few years or to decant for grilled duck breast. April 2018.
94 Points, Editors’ Choice - Wine Enthusiast
This wine offers astounding quality for the price, a juicy expression of fruit and spice with a depth of firm resolved tannin, lively acidity and layers of black cherry and cola. Approachable and delicious, it hits the mark on every level being light bodied and refreshingly balanced while complex.—V.B, October 2017.
90 Points - James Suckling
Some earthy and savory, dry-spiced cherry aromas that lead to a neat, supple, and approachable palate with a laid-back, open-knit finish. Drink now. November 2018.
92 Points - Tasting Panel Magazine
From the edge of the rugged ridges of the Sonoma Coast comes this full-bodied, fruit-driven Pinot. Aromas of black cherry make way for a plethora of flavors and scents: Salty rhubarb startles as dried herbs usher in savoriness. Graphite enters at mid-palate, with notes of juicy strawberries. Cara Cara oranges, cranberries, and black tea. Satin-like tannins with a creamy finish.—M.M.