2021 Pinotage
Tasting Notes
The 2021 Fort Ross Vineyard Pinotage is deep, complex and intense, offering a unique coastal take on this rare California planting. Founders Linda and Lester Schwartz imported cuttings of Pinotage through UC Davis to ensure vine health and integrity. These vines are some of the only Pinotage cuttings in California. The wine displays aromas of black cherry, wild blueberry, plum, sage and Asian spices. These notes are followed on the palate with dense tannins, sweet tobacco and a hint of coastal bay that brings freshness. Subtle undertones of French oak round the finish and provide great depth to this singular expression of Pinotage.
Wine Specs
- Varietal:
- Pinotage
- Harvest Date:
- August 30th - September 6th, 2021
- Aging:
- 11 months in French oak; 30% new
- Bottling Date:
- August 2022
- Cases:
- 263
Vineyard Notes
From our mountain vineyard overlooking the rugged Sonoma Coast, we produce limited quantities of single-vineyard, estate-grown cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinotage, and Chenin Blanc. Less than a mile from the Pacific Ocean, our 51-acre, 33-block vineyard sits above the fog at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,700 feet in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA.
Production Notes
Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Proprietary Clones MM1 and MM3
Winemaker Notes
Like the rest of Sonoma County, we experienced lower than average rainfall signaling another drier vintage. The parched soils came with a silver lining, as the roots were forced to dig deep in search of water and nutrients to sustain growth—which also brought great concentration of flavor. Early March Budbreak was followed by slow, steady canopy development and fruit set. Many passes through the vineyard rows by our dedicated team was needed to balance fruit and vine growth. Moderate temperatures, between 80-85°, persisted throughout the summer with no heatwaves. Harvest arrived under near perfect conditions, allowing for methodical night hand picking at the ideal phenolic ripeness. Our signature, slower ripening Pinotage was harvested on September 17th . The wines produced from this noteworthy 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.