The Wild Sonoma Coast

In selecting a wine for this week’s blog, I wanted to pick something that I wouldn’t normally opt for. Usually my heart and palate steer me towards the Rhone, Burgundy or Bordeaux but  tasting wine is always about trying new things, so this time I selected one that I’ve been reading about in the press - the 2012 Fort Ross Chardonnay Fort Ross Vineyard. The Fort Ross-Seaview appellation is relatively new in the grand scheme of Sonoma. But winegrowers Lester and Linda Schwartz have been battling the elements here on the "REAL" Sonoma Coast for over two decades. 

I pulled the cork on this gem about an hour before dinner was ready. I made a great free-range chicken puff pastry dish stuffed with roasted tomatoes and gruyere with a lovely side of sautéed baby bok choy, my lady’s favorite. As expected this needed a little time to open up, but when it did it was perfecto with this dish. Firm acidity, not too much wood influence and the unfined quality added a richness that was sublime! For a mere $45 this is well worth exploring, even if you’re a white Burgundy fan.  

2012 Fort Ross Chardonnay Fort Ross Vineyard - 94 Points, The Wine Advocate

“...this is just a killer Chardonnay. A rather thick-looking light gold color is followed by loads of spring flowers, wet rocks, honeysuckle, almond paste and caramelized citrus with a touch of brioche and white peach. It's beautifully textured, full-bodied, incredibly elegant and intense. This is a superb Sonoma Coast Chardonnay to drink over the next decade or more.” - Robert Parker