Fort Ross Vineyard Chenin Blanc Estate Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview
| Vintage: | 2022 |
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| Description: | In 1988, Lester and Linda Schwartz embarked on a bold venture by acquiring a section of virgin forest and grasslands in the high coastal ridges of the Sonoma coast, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Despite academic warnings about the risks of planting a vineyard in the cool, foggy conditions so close to the ocean, they remained undeterred. Over several years, they experimented with various clones, rootstocks, and trellising systems, ultimately determining that their property had the potential to cultivate exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. By 1994, after meticulously sourcing heritage clones to highlight the terroir and varietal typicity, Lester and Linda began preparing and planting the first vineyard blocks. They personally dug plant holes and planted vines, carefully laying out their 53-acre vineyard with roads, underground drainage, and irrigation systems. They also developed a reservoir and designed a custom trellis system. In homage to their South African roots, they sourced Pinotage bud wood from the original founding blocks in South Africa, becoming the first private growers to import grapevine cuttings through the Foundation Plant Services in collaboration with the U.C. Davis School of Viticulture and Enology. Today, Lester and Linda work closely with Jeff Pisoni, who joined Fort Ross as winemaker in 2009. Together, they regularly walk the vineyard, making viticultural decisions and determining the optimal harvest times for each block. Lester and Linda continue to oversee the day-to-day vineyard operations. Their relentless efforts in transforming this untamed, extreme location into a spectacular vineyard have proven the academics wrong. |
| Price: | $ 39.95 |
| Price in original currency: | None |
Available from First Bottle
| Address: |
385 La Fata Street St. Helena, CA 94574 United States |
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| Telephone (regular): | 707-967-0240 |
| Fax: | 707-967-0237 |
First added to 1000 Corks on August 27, 2024.
