The 2022 vintage marks the second release of our Fort Ross Chenin Blanc. This classic varietal thrives in a steep south facing block in the mid-elevations of our vineyard where the healthy happy vines have once again produced an exceptional wine. Delightful aromas of white peach, apple, white melon, and quince are followed by a bright acidity that adds a burst of freshness to every sip. Aging for six months in neutral French oak barrels gives added nuance and complexity to this unique Chenin Blanc with its crisp and delicate mineral finish.
94 POINTS - INTERNATIONAL WINE REVIEW
Opens with scents of orange blossom, beeswax and lemon peel. This wine has good varietal character and excellent balance. It’s very dry with firm, tangy acidity, generous concentration and impressive purity. The palate reveals both fruit and savory elements with a fine vein of minerality. Impressive persistence on the finish. Aged 11 months in neutral French oak.
92 POINTS - INTERNATIONAL WINE REPORT
The 2022 Fort Ross Chenin Blanc is a beautifully textured wine, aged for 11 months in all-neutral French oak barrels. It pours a light lemony core with a watery rim in the glass, setting the stage for intriguing aromas of wet clay and lanolin. Ripe apples, oyster shells, apricot skin, dried thyme, and lemon verbena add complexity to the nose. On the palate, the wine delivers an amazing texture and structure, making it a captivating and balanced expression of Chenin Blanc.
91 POINTS - WINE REVIEW ONLINE
This is the second vintage of this wine, and it’s coming on line in style – made by Jeff Pisoni in the fleshy and crisp style where I think Chenin Blanc sits best, delivering apple, pear and peach aromas and flavors that are distinctive and lingering. Though the variety tends to be thought of as less serious than some other whites, this example shows that it can hang with the big kids.
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Only our second bottling of the Fort Ross Chenin Blanc, the 2022 vintage is yet another beautiful
example of an Old World variety thriving on the rugged Sonoma Coast. Vibrantly hued deep lemon core that softens to shades of straw at its rim, this wine gradually reveals itself in the glass. Aromas of ripe pear, lemon meringue, candied
ginger, and crushed stone soar, and a saline edge speaks to the proximity of our vineyard to the Pacific Ocean below. On the palate, this Chenin Blanc is still California in style with a plush mouthfeel and flavors or yellow apple, melon, and subtle stone fruit that integrates seamlessly with vanilla bean and a hint of baking spice from aging in 100% neutral French oak barrels. This wine is crisp, refreshing with racy acidity, while offering complexity, texture and noticeable concentration on the palate.
Vineyard Notes
Winemaking is adapting to the never-ending trials provided by Mother Nature, and the 2022
vintage was no exception. As if a sign of things to come, a warmer end to the dormant winter season brought about an early budbreak on February 18th. Average spring temperatures promoted steady, early season vine growth, however, ill-timed rain during flowering would prove to affect overall yields come harvest. The warm, sunny days of summer on the Pacific coast provided ample time for optimum fruit development after veraison, while the chilly, ocean fueled winds kept ripeness levels in check and maintained fresh acidity in each precious berry. Harvest began with Pinot Noir on August 19th – September 7th, followed by Chardonnay on September 6th – 9th, finally Chenin Blanc and Pinotage completed the harvest on September 12th. Each hand harvested cluster is picked and transported
to the winery in the cool morning hours. The final curve ball of the season occurred the first week of September, during harvest, when a heat wave increased temperatures at the coast for multiple days. Fortunately, our meticulous vineyard team diligently managed the situation. Ultimately, final yields were down considerably, however the fruit quality was excellent, with small, flavorful berries possessing exceptional concentration and complexity.
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 neutral French Oak barrels and underwent primary and malolactic fermentation. The use of neutral oak allows the fruit to shine, while imparting supple texture to the wine. This wine is comprised of a single Chenin Blanc clone, that was grafted onto established rootstock on half an acre in Block 1, next to our Pinotage.
Other Notes
162 cases produced.
