Lot #47 Fort Ross Vineyard

“Terraces Above the Fog” is made from the Winemaker Jeff Pisoni’s favorite barrel of wine from his favorite vineyard block, planted 100% to Calera Clone Pinot Noir. This block, called the Terraces, wraps around the mountainside and produces elegant, complex wines every vintage. Owner Lester Schwartz thought that he could carve the Terraces out of the hillside himself but soon realized it was far too treacherous and brought in a professional. He and Linda were tireless in the creation of Fort Ross Vineyard and did much of the work themselves.

Inspired by the majesty of the wild Sonoma Coast, owners Linda and Lester Schwartz founded Fort Ross Vineyard in 1994 when they began preparing grassland at the top of the steep, rugged coastal ridge to plant to grape vines. The picturesque, 52-acre single vineyard is a necklace of 32 small mountain blocks that range in elevation from 1,200 to 1,700 feet overlooking the Pacific Ocean which lies just a mile to the west. Linda and Lester strive to masterfully craft profound wines of purity and elegance that reflect the challenges of this extreme site and the cool maritime climate.

Fort Ross Vineyard’s production is limited to 5,000 cases annually as they only use their family estate grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinotage grapes. The fruit that flourishes in this rugged atmosphere resulting in unforgettable wines. “Terraces Above the Fog” is a pure expression of a single clone, in which expansive aromatics of red currant, raspberry, black tea and violets unfold with complexity. The fruit-driven palate reveals a graceful core of ripe cherry, black currant, wild berry and just a touch of tart juicy plum followed by a persistent lush finish. With its lively acidity and balanced structure, this charming Pinot Noir is going to be a beauty.

WINEMAKER(S): Jeff Pisoni

ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: July 2024
ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: April 2025

National Distribution: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, WY, Washington, DC

International Distribution: Please inquire for more information.

A winemaker dinner or store visit is offered in your market as part of this lot. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date.