2022 Stagecoach Road Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes
This exclusive bottling continues to assert itself as one of the bolder representations of this famed variety, despite being grown just a short distance from the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its dark ruby color is brooding, offering up enticing notes of baked blackberries, fresh plum, cedar, and cloves. On the palate, this Pinot Noir surprises with its brightness, initially driven by flavors of strawberry compote and Bing cherry. As the wine evolves, the mouthfeel becomes richer, with darker shades of fruit emerging—spiced plum and black cherry mingle with rustic notes of dried mushroom and hints of forest floor. Though undeniably delicious, this wine is still in its infancy, with age-worthy tannins and a backbone of fresh, coastal-driven acidity that promises even greater complexity with time.
Wine Specs
- Harvest Date:
- September 9 - 11, 2022
- Aging:
- 11 months in French oak, 55% new
- Bottling Date:
- August 2023
- Cases:
- 230
Vineyard Notes
From our mountain vineyard that overlooks the Sonoma Coast in the 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 32 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 with their small crew began preparing the 52 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.