Land's Edge Vineyard Pinot Noir (2021)

About this wine

The 2021 Land's Edge Vineyard Pinot Noir from Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery offers a deep garnet hue and captivating aromas of dark raspberries, black plum, violets, and dried rose petals. On the palate, it presents lush layers of mulberry, black currant, and Bing cherry, supported by soft, velvety tannins. The wine's signature minerality and fresh acidity integrate seamlessly with the complex fruit characteristics, leading to a seamless finish. This Pinot Noir is sourced from the highest elevations of the Fort Ross Vineyard, showcasing the unique terroir of the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, known for its rugged coastal terrain and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The 2021 vintage is noted for its intense concentration of color and flavor, promising continued evolution and enjoyment for years to come.

About the grape

Pinot Noir, meaning 'black pine cone' in French due to its tightly clustered, dark-colored grapes, is one of the oldest grape varieties, with cultivation in France's Burgundy region dating back to at least the 1st century AD. In Sonoma County, California, Pinot Noir was first planted in the late 1960s by pioneering growers like Joe Rochioli and Joseph Swan, who recognized the region's potential for this finicky grape. The Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, established in 2012, is known for its rugged coastal terrain and cool climate, providing ideal conditions for cultivating Pinot Noir. The 2021 Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery Land’s Edge Vineyard Pinot Noir benefits from these unique conditions, resulting in a wine that reflects the distinct characteristics of this extreme coastal region.

Quick facts

• 🍒🌊 The 2021 Land's Edge Vineyard Pinot Noir is crafted from grapes grown in two estate-owned vineyards: Far Coast Vineyard and Seascape Vineyard. Far Coast contributes deep black cherry flavors, while Seascape adds savory notes and hints of salinity.
• 🍷🌹 This Pinot Noir showcases aromas of red and black cherry, pomegranate, and dried rose petal, leading to layered flavors of dark berries, plum, and licorice, with a lingering mocha and mineral finish.
• 🌫️🍇 The vineyards are located high on the Sonoma Coast ridges, benefiting from a foggy coastal climate that preserves natural acidity in the grapes, enhancing the wine's purity of fruit flavors.
• 🏆🍷 The 2021 vintage received a 94-point rating from Jeb Dunnuck, highlighting its expressive notes of red berries, cranberries, and juniper, with a refreshing lift and fine tannins.
• ⏳🍷 The Land's Edge Vineyard Pinot Noir is known for its balanced acidity, layers of complexity, and firm tannins, allowing for long and graceful aging.

Palate profile

Producer

Hartford Family Winery, established in 1994 by Don and Jennifer Hartford, is a family-owned artisan winery located in Forestville, California, within Sonoma County's Russian River Valley. The winery specializes in crafting small-lot, single-vineyard wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and old-vine Zinfandel, emphasizing the unique terroir of each vineyard. Notably, Hartford Court wines have been served at the White House on multiple occasions, reflecting their esteemed reputation. The winery's philosophy, "Character through adversity," underscores their commitment to producing expressive wines from challenging vineyard sites.