Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/61075
Tasting Fort Ross Winemaker Jeff Pisoni (of Pisoni Vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA) crafts small production wines characterized by luscious fruit and texture, texture, texture. Fort Ross Vineyard 2010 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Fort Ross–Seaview (SRP $32), made up of two old heritage field selections (Hyde and Wente), is unfined and unfiltered, aging gracefully for ten months in French oak. The mouthfeel alone speaks volumes, a creaminess that is underscored by honey and stone fruit, with a crispness that peeks out on the finish. Note the minimalist label for such a complex wine. Fort Ross Vineyard 2008 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Fort Ross– Seaview (SRP $39) is earthy black, swirling with a gradual lightening of fruit—blackberry-to-boysenberry-to raspberry—with waves of spiced cedar plum nipping the top of the palate. Fort Ross Wines proprietor Linda Schwartz with distributor Aaron Elliott of Monterey Bay Wine Company. Photo taken at Cooks County restaurant in West Hollywood, CA. S:7.375" T:8.375" B:8.625" You put so much care and craftsmanship into the making of the wine. Shouldn't you put the same care into preserving its integrity? DID YOU KNOW: • Shipping wine via unrefrigerated freight can impact the flavor profile of the wine. • Temperature swings during shipping of +-100 degrees F can adversely affect wine. • Both red and in particular white wines can be impacted by changes in aromatic properties and flavor by shipping unrefrigerated. SHIP WINE WITH RAILEX: • Experienced in refrigerated transport of wines with over 1 million bottles of wine shipped since 2007. The cold chain is never broken! For More Information, Contact Us Today: 1-888-4-RAILEX (1-888-472-4539) | www.railexusa.com Visit us on april 2012 / the tasting panel / 115 PHOTO: MERIDITH MAY