May 5, 2013
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Fogline Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Brent Bessire, Evan Pontoriero |
| Web site | www.foglinevineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
A small producer of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah and Chardonnay launched in 2009. The home vineyard is on Sonoma Mountain in the Sonoma Coast AVA. At 900 feet, the property sits above the fog line, allowing additional exposure to the sun throughout the growing season. Temperature inversion results in warmer nights and cooler days than vineyards at lower elevations. This allows fruit to ripen while lessening the need to leave the fruit hanging for extended periods. Being above the fog line, also helps keep fungus and mold at bay.
The winery is a partnership between Brent Bessire and Evan Pontoriero. Brent learned the wine business from Gary Farrell and time spent at Mauritson Family Winery. Evan has had a successful career in film, but spent his spare time learning about wine and eventually becoming a hobby winemaker. He developed a friendship with Brent after the two met at a number of wine events. The first vines were planted on Sonoma Mountain in 2007, and the first wine produced in 2009. The vineyard is directly above Gap's Crown Vineyard and about a mile to the north on the ridge line from Sun Chase Vineyard.
The wines are available direct and from fine dining establishments in California.
Articles About Fogline Vineyards
Reviewed Wines
2010 Fogline Vineyards Floodgate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.65, 135 cases, $38. Vineyard is
located in Middle Reach of Russian River Valley. Clones 115, 666, 777
and Pommard.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Smooth,
spicy and sexy, with seductive aromas of dusty, dark cherries, graham
and toast. A cherry bombast that is luscious yet refined and silky with
complimentary hints of spice and cola. Nicely balanced with supple
tannins and good staying power on the finish. The pedigree of this established
vineyard shows through. A high-collared, impressive offering.
Reviewed December 8, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Fogline Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.67, 80 cases, $42. Released
fall 2011. Sourced from the Sun Chase Vineyard on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain at 1200 to 1400
feet elevation in the Petaluma Gap. Clones 667 and 777.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass.
Complex nose offering many scents that come and go including black cherries, plum sauce, strawberries, pipe
smoke, dark chocolate, herbs, dusty earth and a floral note. Middleweight cherry-driven flavor with a hint of
spice, dried herbs, tobacco and even peach. Elegant, with soft tannins and respectable acidity, finishing with a
citrusy cherry flavor. An interesting chameleon of a wine, but a bit strange in its combination of aromas and
flavors. Good.
Reviewed December 8, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Fogline Vineyards Floodgate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.65, 135 cases, $38. Vineyard is located in Middle Reach of Russian River Valley. Clones 115, 666, 777 and Pommard. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Smooth, spicy and sexy, with seductive aromas of dusty, dark cherries, graham and toast. A cherry bombast that is luscious yet refined and silky with complimentary hints of spice and cola. Nicely balanced with supple tannins and good staying power on the finish. The pedigree of this established vineyard shows through. A high-collared, impressive offering. Reviewed December 8, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Fogline Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.67, 80 cases, $42. Released fall 2011. Sourced from the Sun Chase Vineyard on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain at 1200 to 1400 feet elevation in the Petaluma Gap. Clones 667 and 777. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex nose offering many scents that come and go including black cherries, plum sauce, strawberries, pipe smoke, dark chocolate, herbs, dusty earth and a floral note. Middleweight cherry-driven flavor with a hint of spice, dried herbs, tobacco and even peach. Elegant, with soft tannins and respectable acidity, finishing with a citrusy cherry flavor. An interesting chameleon of a wine, but a bit strange in its combination of aromas and flavors. Good. Reviewed December 8, 2012 ARTICLE »
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