2009 Pinot Noir Accolades

93 POINTS - James Suckling
Super nose of leather, chili, shiitake mushroom, and berries. Full-bodied, with wonderfully focused tannins and spices. So refined and pretty. Gorgeous.

90 POINTS - Wine Advocate, Robert Parker - December 2013
The deep ruby-colored 2009 Pinot Noir reveals an outstanding bouquet of loamy soil, underbrush, red and black cherries, and a hint of oak as well as a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and a velvety texture. Drink this sexy Pinot over the next 5-6 years. These are impressive offerings from Fort Ross. -Robert Parker

90 POINTS - Connoisseurs' Guide - February 2012
Despite being located within splashing distance of the Pacific, the vineyards at Fort Ross sit high enough up in the coastal hills that they are able to give off wines that are both ripe and balanced. Here, the black cherry nature of the fruit is filled out by invitingly spicy nuances and hints of dried flowers.

★★★★ Excellent - Restaurant Wine
Subtle, elegant... fleshy and ripely flavored; a well balanced wine with red currant, plum, kola nut, toast, and spicy oak aromas/flavors. Medium long, lightly tannic finish. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new.