2023 Chenin Blanc
Tasting Notes
Our third bottling of the Fort Ross Chenin Blanc, the 2023 vintage, is a stunning example of an Old World variety thriving on the rugged Sonoma Coast. The wine showcases a vibrant straw/lemon core that softens at its rim, gradually revealing its character in the glass. Aromas of ripe pear, lemon meringue, candied ginger, and crushed stone soar, with a saline edge hinting at our vineyard’s close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. On the palate, this Chenin Blanc embodies California vitality with a vibrant mouthfeel, offering flavors of yellow apple and subtle stone fruit that seamlessly integrate with verbena and lemon oil. Aging of this wine is carried out in 80% neutral French oak and 20% stainless steel barrels. Crisp and refreshing with racy acidity, this wine also delivers complexity, texture, and noticeable concentration on the palate, making it a delightful and sophisticated expression of this classic variety.
Wine Specs
- Aging:
- 7 months in neutral French oak and stainless steel
- Bottling Date:
- March 2023
- Cases:
- 214
Vineyard Notes
The 2023 harvest season began later than usual, but the results were exceptional. Record-high winter rains revitalized the soils, promoting healthy vine growth and robust canopies. Cooler temperatures throughout the spring and summer provided the grapes with conditions to develop gradually, allowing for extended ripening time. This cool and late season brought refined and elegant wines with great acidity. As the season progressed into October, a brief window of warmer weather pushed the grapes to reach ripeness. This combination of factors—ample water supply, cool growing conditions, and a warm, dry finish—culminated in a harvest that promised exceptional wines. The 2023 vintage exhibits remarkable balance, complexity, and depth of flavor, reflecting the meticulous care and favorable conditions of the growing season.
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.
Reviews
95 Points
In its third vintage of estate grown Chenin Blanc, Fort Ross delivered this extraordinary rendition. It brings together concentration, energy, and complexity—all in a seamless package. In the glass it is light yellow with a healthy green tint, and the initial assertive aroma presents itself with a combination of lemon meringue and fresh pear notes. With airing, the aroma takes on some ginger spice and melon as well. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with concentrated flavors of lemon and stone fruits. From start to finish, the wine is solidly structured and remains lively on the palate. With its crisp acidity, the flavors continue to a very fresh finish with background notes of honeysuckle and bosc pear fruit. Unquestionably one of the finest Chenins in my experience, the wine was made by Jeff Pisoni.
—Wine Review Online