92 Points - James Suckling
A fruity, poised and suave chenin from the Sonoma Coast. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity. It showcases aromas of peaches, seashells and warm brioche. Round, textural and delicious, with a fruit-driven, mellow finish.
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
A deep gold color and equally deep brown butter and baked-apple aromas lead to a broad palate of lightly nutty, savory, straw-like flavors on a medium body. The wine feels hefty, mouth filling and well suited to pairing with roasted birds and beasts. February 2024
91 Points - FORBES, Dazzling Sonoma Wines…article.
Here is one of the most arresting examples of Chenin Blanc made in California today. Matured for 16 months in neutral oak, there are aromas of red apple, mustard seed and a hint of cinnamon. Medium-bodied with a rich, beautifully textured mid-palate, there is impressive ripeness, very good acidity, notable backbone and very good persistence. Stylish, with excellent varietal character and harmony and a dry finish with impressive length, this will drink well for 4-7 years.
The Year’s 50 Best Wines Under $50 - Bloomberg (2023)
Whites Fit for a Grand Dinner: The first chenin blanc from this winery on the Sonoma Coast, owned by a couple from South Africa, is golden and rich with lots of depth and peachy richness.
92 Points - International Wine Report
16 months of aging in 100% neutral French oak barrels creates a lovely, rounded mouthfeel and wonderful structure on the 2021 Fort Ross Vineyard Chenin Blanc. Scrumptious flavors and aromas of yellow pear, sliced red apple, saline, honeysuckle, wet wool, and dried herbs combine beautifully in the glass. Medium-bodied with lovely acidity, it finishes with that lovely lanolin note on the back of the palate.
Enjoy paired with Estate Chef John Vong's recipe for Glass Noodle Salad with Snap Peas & White Miso Vinaigrette
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Richly hued with shades of deep lemon at its core, the 2021 Fort Ross Chenin Blanc exudes characteristics that harken back to its old-world roots, while simultaneously reflecting the rugged new world slopes of the far western Sonoma Coast.The nose bursts with notes of ripe Bartlett pear and baked red apple, with creamy undertones of lemon curd, fresh honeysuckle, and a hint of salinity in the form of fresh sea air, creating a remarkably complex profile. The captivating aromatics segue into a plush palate loaded with quince, candied ginger, and toasted vanilla. Racy and vibrant acidity brought on by the cold, harsh, and distinctly maritime climate of our estate vineyard cut like a knife as this wine finishes textured and full bodied from 16 months of aging in 100% neutral French oak barrels.
Vineyard Notes
Our high elevation vineyard overlooking the Pacific Ocean is unique as it benefits greatly from the cooling influences of this rugged coastline, yet like the rest of Sonoma County, we experienced lower than average rainfall totals which signaled the start of another drier than average vintage.These parched soils came with a silver lining though, as the roots of our vines were forced to dig deep into the earth in search of water and nutrients to sustain growth—which also brought great concentration of flavor. Budbreak in early March was followed by slow, yet steady canopy development and eventually fruit set. Moderate temperatures persisted throughout the summer with no heatwaves. Harvest arrived under the protection of an umbrella of near perfect conditions, allowing for methodical hand picking at phenological ripeness. Starting with Chardonnay on September 11th, picking of our Pinot Noir blocks began on August 30th, our first ever Chenin Blanc was carefully hand-harvested on September 13th, and was followed lastly by our signature Pinotage on September 17th.The wines produced from this fantastic vintage will be regarded for their intense concentration of color and flavor, as well as an undeniable density that will continue to evolve for years to come.
Production Notes
Bottled unfiltered
Other Notes
240 cases produced
