Fulcrum Wines

Articles About Fulcrum Wines

Reviewed Wines

2018 Cloisonné Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 707 cases, $24. A Napa-based negotiant producing small lots of wines from growing areas in California. Available for tasting in the Fulcrum Tasting Room and distributed retail nationally. 100% de-stemmed grapes, Aged in French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, dark red berry, peppery herbs and vanilla. Better on the palate in a mid weight style, offering a charge of black cherry, cola and anise flavors backed by gentle tannins. A reliable quaff that shows some length on the spirited, spicy finish. Score: 88. Reviewed May 25, 2020 ARTICLE »

2018 On Point Winemaker’s Selection North Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 183 cases, $39. A blend of grapes from Gap’s Crown, Hogan’s Run and Conzelman vineyards. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 24% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black raspberry, cherry, vanilla and mushroom earthiness. rise up from the glass. Well-endowed with juicy flavors of spicy dark red cherry and blackberry with a modicum of oak in the background. Nicely balanced tannins and forthright acidity with a lip-smacking finish. Score: 90. Reviewed May 25, 2020 ARTICLE »

2018 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 214 cases, $70. Clones “faux 828” and 667. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A relatively ripe, boisterous and full-bodied wine that makes a big impression. The aromas and flavors of darker berry fruits grab attention, but the sappy fruit is not summatré. The fruit cloaks the supportive tannins so the mouthfeel is sleek and velvety. A typical Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir. Score: 93. Reviewed May 25, 2020 ARTICLE »

2018 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir

14.3$ alc., 214 cases, $70. Clones 667 and faux 828. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak bottles. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A relatively ripe, boisterous, full-bodied wine that makes a big impression. The aromas and flavors of dark berry fruits are quite luscious but the sappy fruit is not summatré. The rich fruit cloaks the supportive tannins so the mouthfeel is sleek and velvety. A typical Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir. Reviewed May, 2020. Score: 93. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 On Point Winemaker’s Selection North Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 142 cases, $39. A blend of Donnelly Creek (46%), Gap’s Crown (37%) and Wildcat Mountain (17%) vineyards. Pommard, 115, “828,” and 667. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 21% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Glorious aromas of purple grape, boysenberry, and oak-driven nuts and vanillin. A generous wine in a mid weight plus style, featuring flavors of blackberry and cassis with hints of vanilla and violet candy. The tannic backbone is well-matched and the modest finish hints at a bit of alcoholic warmth. Resembles the popular Meiomi Pinot Noir in flavor profile. Score: 89. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Fulcrum Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 124 cases, $63. Clones 667, 777 and Pommard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackest cherry, chocolate sundae, exotic spices and vanilla. Light to mid weight flavors of blackberry and black raspberry with a deft touch of oak. A very pleasing gulp of nicely ripened fruit backed by civilized tannins and finishing with good intent. Considerably more appealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 82 cases, $69. Sourced from Donnelly Creek Vineyard. Pommard clone. 10% whole cluster. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose was quite likable, offering scents of spiced cherry, s’mores, and cardamom. Seamless and seductive on the palate with an array of dark red and black fruits that saturate the mid palate and finish. Harmonious tannin management with a haunting silkiness. The oak presence is a bit aggressive but easy to overlook because of the tasty fruit core. Score: 91. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 218 cases, $69. Clones “828,” and 667. 10% whole cluster. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 45% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Oak-kissed black cherry and fertile soil aromas lead to a mid weight plus mouthful of nicely ripened stone and berry fruits accented with a bit of piney oak. Typical Gap’s Crown fruit extravagance but less than the 2016 vintage. The oak overlay is a little daunting but the wine would be ideal with a proper food accompaniment such as a grilled steak. Score: 92. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 On Point Christinna’s Cuvée North Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 134 cases, $38. A blend of grapes from Gap’s Crown, Wildcat Mountain and Donnelly Creek Vineyards. Clones 115, 667, “828,” and Pommard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels 14% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lovely marriage of dark berry fruit and oak aromas. More refinement and restraint than the On Point Sonoma Coast bottling, featuring mid weight flavors of black cherry, blackberry and black raspberry. Creamy in the mouth, with modest tannins, integrated oak and a coasting finish. While the Sonoma Coast bottling is more thundering, the Christinna’s is more symphonic. Score: 91. Reviewed April 14, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 On Point Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 140 cases, $38. A blend of grapes from Gap’s Crown and Wildcat Mountain vineyards. Clones 115 and 667. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 18% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Heady aromas of dark strawberry, black raspberry, spiced plum, underbrush, maple and anise. Luscious and imposing on the attack and mid palate, with a mid weight plus charge of boysenberry, blueberry and pomegranate fruit flavors. Some spice and toasty oak is woven through the fruit core. The tannins are balanced and the texture very soft. This is a fruit-driven wine with a good tannic backbone that wants for a little more acid vibe. Score: 89. Reviewed April 14, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Fulcrum Durell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 146 cases, $49. Dijon 95. Barrel fermented in 32% French oak. Unfined and lightly filtered. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Highly aromatic, featuring scents of lemon oil, apple, creme soda, mixed nuts, toffee and a hint of matchstick. Nicely composed, with rich flavors of lemon, tangerine, pastry creme, and a compliment of oak-driven burnt caramel and vanilla in a friendly style. Texturally plush, with embraceable acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed April 14, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 153 cases, $62. Pommard clone from Donnelly Vineyard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · A very fruit-forward and gregarious wine with aromas and flavors of purple grape, boysenberry, black raspberry and hints of toast and vanilla. Lush and velvety in the mouth with soldiering tannins, adept acidity and a generously fruity finish. This is a wine to enjoy now for its giving nature rather than cellar. Score: 92. Reviewed April 14, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Fulcrum Brosseau Vineyard Chalone Pinot Noir

129 Cases, $62. Clones 113, 114, 115 and Mt Eden. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. The rustic aromas of peat and timber combine with demure aromas of black fruits. Mid weight plus blackberry and cassis flavors have a noticeable earthy clay pitch. Velvety in the mouth with toned tannins typical of this vineyard that are supportive rather than foreboding. There is a nimble touch of oak and enough acidity to bless the sappy fruit with juiciness and vibrancy. The finish is very long and succulent. This is a terroir-driven wine that is quite recognizable to me after tasting multiple vintages. Even better when tasted the following day exhibiting more mellow tannins. Decant or hold for a year or two in bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed April 14, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Fulcrum Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

151 cases, $62. Clones 667, 777 and Pommard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels 35% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Modereate garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of purple and black berries, BBQ rub, earth and sandstone. The wine’s flavor profile stands out for its garrigue character that compliments the boysenberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors. Impeccable balance with a deft oak accent, satiny texture and some closing joy. Score: 93. Reviewed April 14, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 224 cases, $68. Clones “faux 828,” and 667. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Note: I have been following and reviewing the wines of David Rossi since 2006 and have seen a recognizable rise in quality. The Gap’s Crown Vineyard bottling is deserving of the most accolades year in and year out. Interestingly, David lives in New Jersey and travels back and forth for winemaking operations and sales events. The coronavirus has slowed, yet not stopped him. He continues to pay his employees through the shutdown. He says, “We will not let some virus take us out. As soon as it is safe to open, we will open the doors.” Fulcrum’s tasting room is located on the Sonoma Plaza. The wines are also sold through a mailing list at www.fulcrumwines.com.

· Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Generous aromas of blueberry, blackberry jam, and spice. Very seductive on the palate, with a silken texture and a long, deep core of purple and black fruits that caress the palate. Evocative harmony with a lasting finish of vibrant fruitiness. Previously rated 97 when reviewed April 14, 2018, and still pumping out the glorious Pinot charm. Score: 97. Reviewed May 25, 2020 ARTICLE »

2016 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 224 cases, $68. Clones “828,” and 667. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of dark fruits, spice, violets, char and vanilla. A full-on charge of purple and black fruits attack with a vengeance, envelope the palate, and hang on through an intense, sappy and lengthy finish. About as big as Pinot Noir can be without being jammy. Silken in texture with tame tannins. An ultimate expression of Pinot’s exuberance, encouraging contemplation and gloating. Any Miracle Gro in this vineyard? Still extraordinary when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Year in and year out, this is Fulcrum’s best wine. Score: 97. Reviewed April 14, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $68. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Enviable aromatic goodness with scents of black cherry, straw bale, cardamon spice, underbrush and garlic powder. Sensational in every way with a mid-weight charge of delicious black cherry, dark raspberry, pomegranate and spice flavors backed by gentle, supportive tannins. Impeccable balance with a memorable, succulent black cherry finish. Still exceptional when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. I have had this wine on several occasions and each time it was stellar. Score: 96. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2015 Fulcrum On Point Christina’s Cuvee Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 198 cases, $36. Pommard, 667, 115, 113. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Winemaker David Rossi. · Moderate light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry compliment wilted rose notes. Lighter in weight, with appealing flavors of cherry and spice. A bit shallow on the mid palate but tries to satisfy. A firm tannic structure is evident. Score: 89. Reviewed July 8, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Fulcrum Durell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 175 cases, $48. Inaugural Chardonnay from this producer. Dijon clone 95. Barrel fermented and aged 11 months in 42% French oak barrels. Unfined and lightly filtered. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The nose is mildly reductive with the distinct aroma of flint along with scents of apple, banana and vanilla creme. Somewhat richly endowed with flavors of peach, salted apple, pineapple and brioche with a subtle green note. Satiny in texture, with seamless integration of acid and some length to the pleasantly fruited finish. Score: 88. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 152 cases, $60. Produced and bottled by Fulcrum Wines, Napa, CA. In tasting room prerelease - full release October 2017. Pommard and 113. 100% Donnelly Creek Vineyard. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Infatuating aromas of cherry, spice and earth tones. Delicious flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and candy apple. Modest tannins with a silky mouthfeel and the slightest oak enhancement. A very pleasant wine that is forward and giving, and an ideal everyday wine. The tenth vintage from Fulcrum and the wines keep reaching for greatness. Score: 92. Reviewed August 6, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Fulcrum Brosseau Vineyard Chalone AVA Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.,103 cases, $60. Clones 113, 114, 115 and Mt. Eden. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Enviable aromas of dusty black cherry, earth, stone and iron are followed on the palate by mid weight flavors of fresh black cherry and red currant with an earthy thread in the background. Graceful tannins, impeccable balance and a purposeful finish replete with cherry aroma. Still superb when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating potential for longevity. Score: 93. Reviewed March 29, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 235 cases, $65. Clones “828” and 667. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose soars with intense aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, spice, violets and vanilla. Filled with glorious California fruit kissed by the sun, this mid weight plus beauty is polished and silky, with rich flavors of purple and black berries with a compliment of toasty oak in the background. Sappy, but not compotey, with balanced tannins, juicy natural acidity, and a generous finish that taps into the pleasure centers of the brain. A bit hedonistic, but true to character of this vineyard. Score: 94. Reviewed March 29, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.,152 cases, $57. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This wine opens slowly in the glass to reveal aromas of cherry, spice and forest stream, and luscious flavors of dark red cherries and berries that are well-spiced. The cozy texture is mesmerizing much like a soft robe, the balance is spot on, and the finish is quite sleek. Score: 92. Reviewed July 24, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Fulcrum Brousseau Vineyard Chalone AVA Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 143 cases, $58. Clones 113, 114 and 115. Aged 15 months in French oak, 35% new. · Dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Earthbound aromas of boysenberry and blackberry with a hint of oil slick. Smooth on the palate, but husky in character, with mid weight plus flavors of purple and black berries. This vineyard tends to produce a highly structured wine, and the tannins are evident but supportive without being intrusive in this wine. The finish is replete with gorgeous purple fruit that seems to persist for over half a minute. Score: 92. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Fulcrum Landy Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 91 cases, $58. Calera clone. Aged 15 months in French oak, 33% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Bright scent of fresh cherries and sandalwood. Shining Bing cherry core with added flavors of cola and baking spice framed by silky tannins and lively acidity. Oak chimes in with a bass note. Flirty in personality and quintessential Russian River Valley in character. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine had taken on woodsy, darker fruited and riper profile. Score: 92. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 237 cases, $62. Clones 667 and “828.” Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 42% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is initially brooding, but fans out over time to reveal enticing aromas of darker berry jam, spice and earth. A remarkable attack of mid weight plus black cherry, blackberry and spice flavors are flat out delicious. This wine is impeccably balanced with impressive mid palate presence and follow through into a long, masculine finish. A 60 minute wine: the bottle is sure to be gone in 60 minutes. Score: 94. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Fulcrum Landy Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 81 cases, $52. Clones 777, 115 and Pommard. Aged 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. The nose is very shy initially, offering mainly oak-driven scents of wood and tobacco. Similarly shy on the palate, with modest flavors of black cherry, cranberry and cola with an oak overlay. Soft in the mouth and easy to drink, but the fruit lacked expression. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose was still primary with no fruit but the flavors had begun to arrive. Score: 87-89. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 144 cases, $55. Pommard clone from Donnelly Creek Vineyard. Aged 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, 31% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of cherry and spice are complimented by a touch of oak. The tannins are folded in, and the wine finishes with a good cut of acidity and plenty of spice. The nose was still shy the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 89-90. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Fulcrum Brousseau Vineyard Chalone AVA Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 135 cases, $56. Clones 113, 114 and 115. Aged 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is not open for business with very demure scents of briar, oak, earth and faint cherry. The satiny texture really stands out in this mid weight wine featuring red cherry fruit framed by firm, but integrated, fine-grain tannins. The most elegant of the four 2013 Fulcrum vineyard-designates, but also the most tannic which is typical of this vineyard. The nose still had not blossomed the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, but the palate was more pleasing with softer tannins. Score: 89-90. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 216 cases, $60. Clones 667and “828.” Aged 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, 45% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is very primary with only hints of olive and green tea. Much more expressive on the palate, with a tasty core of cherry fruit, a hint of oak, and a silky mouthfeel. The tannins are well matched to the mid weight plus fruit load, and the wine finishes with a charge of bright red cherry fruit. The nose was more expressive the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle offering the aroma of dark red cherry compote. The fruit flavor was more intense and the silky smooth texture continued to satisfy. Score: 91-92. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.62, 117 cases, $55. Sourced from Donnelly Creek Vineyard, a vineyard planted in 1991 that is farmed by owner Mary Elke. Aged 16 months in 33% new French oak. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of fresh berry jam, black cherry and sous bois. The mix of dark red and purple fruits on the palate has good mid palate presence, the oak is well integrated, and there is some persistence on the dry, slightly tannic finish. The wine seemed to lose a little appeal 24 hours later, so I would drink it in the near term. Score: 89. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Fulcrum Brousseau Vineyard Chalone AVA Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.61, 148 cases, $55. This unique site has limestone soils. Third vintage from this vineyard. Aged 16 months in 33% new French oak. · Distinctly darker in color with a deep purple tone. The nose is rich with aromas of blackberry jam, ollaliberry, spice and campfire. Although rich with serious extract, the wine is beautifully balanced and caressing with husky, but not overbearing tannins. The delicious flavors of dark berries, currants, and plum are juicy and persist on the expansive finish that echoes with waves of earthbound dark fruits. This is a terroir-driven wine and clearly the best I have ever had from this vineyard. Brousseau Pinot Noir is typically black fruited with imposing tannins, but this wine is tamed and refined. Hat’s off to David! Even better the following day with a smoother presence. Score: 94. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.57, 172 cases, $59. Planted in 2002, this is one of the Sonoma Coast’s preeminent vineyards. It is located on the western hillside of Sonoma Mountain in the Petaluma Gap. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of dark red berries and cherries, blueberries and baking spices. Engaging and harmonious, with a charge of chocolate-covered cherries flooding the mouth with pleasure. The vivid fruit is perfectly ripened and accented with an array of spices. Beautifully crafted, this wine is silky in the mouth, and ends with a glorious, black cherry-laden, peacock tail finish. Still highly aromatic and flavorful the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 1,032 cases, $54. Released June 1, 2013. Clones 777 and 115. Aged 16 months in 29% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. I was really attracted to the nose on this wine which offered an explosion of aromas including cherries, molasses, and roseate notes. Really delivers sumptuous flavors of cherries, raspberries and strawberries with a hint of complimentary spice that carries over onto the big finish. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Fulcrum Brosseau Vineyard Chalone AVA Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 101 cases, $54. Clones 113, 114 and 115. Aged 16 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red cherries, raspberries, pomegranates, spice and oak. The flavors replicate the nose and have appeal, but lack intensity. Muscular but not aggressive tannins dictate the texture which is typical of this site. A rather elegant fruit expression of this vineyard reflective of the vintage. About the same the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good (+). Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Fulcrum Wild Cat Mountain Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 99 cases, $54. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard. Aged 16 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Aromas of black raspberries, spiced plum, briar and a hint of mint. Mid weight sappy flavors of dark berries and plums. Soft and harmonious with restrained tannins. Pleasant, but wants for mid palate intensity and a notable finish. Good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 200 cases, $58. Clones 667 and 777. Aged 16 months in 37% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. A little floral, a little tropical, but smelling primarily of sweet Pinot must. Delicate, but satisfying flavors of deep red stone fruits, pomegranates and berries, with bright acidity lifting the fruit’s spirit. Well-seasoned oak shows up in the background. A little shallow upon opening, but tasted the next day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, this wine took on significantly more aromatic and flavor intensity and added a little spice for good measure. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Fulcrum Floodgate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 190 cases, $N/A. Clone 667. Barrel aged 16 months in 30% new French (Remond) oak barrels. · Demure aromas of black cherries, black raspberries and baking spice. Lovely fruit core with luscious flavors of black cherries, cola and spice, robed in dry, fine-grain tannins and underlain with modest acidity. Very pleasing finesse with staying power on the lengthy finish. A very distinguished vineyard source that really delivers. One of the most outstanding wines I have had from winemaker David Rossi. Very good (+). Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 189 cases, $56. Clones 667 and 777. Aged 15 months in 33% new Remond French oak. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Brightly perfumed with aromas of black plums, blackberry jam and Chinese Five Spice. Deliciously rich core of blackberry and plum reduction sauce flavors with a very appealing accent of spice. The wines fills the mouth with fruit, grabbing your attention, but is light on its feet due to supple tannins and impeccable balance. A big boy Pinot with black tie class and flat-out terrific. Reviewed July 5, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Fulcrum Londer Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 149 cases, $56, released June 16, 2011. Clones 115 and Swan. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Effusive and spell binding aromas of fresh black cherries and baking spices. Very tasty core of darker red cherries and berries wrapped in fine-grain, firm tannins. A beguiling wine of great interest. Very good (+). Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Fulcrum Londer Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 149 cases, $52. Clones 115 and Swan. Release June 16, 2011. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Bottle aged 6 months. · Very tight now with imposing tannins. Aromas of brier, forest floor, black cherries and dark berries. Earthy and brooding on the palate with mildly gritty tannins and an underpinning of oak. Needs at least a year more in bottle. Good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 154 cases, $54. Release June 16, 2011. Aged 15 months in 33% new French oak barrels and 6 months in bottle. · Moderate ruby color in the glass. This wine aims to please with aromas of dark cherries and berries, anise, and spice and similar flavors with an earthy, savory undertone. Medium weighted and moderately dense with a well-honed tannic backbone and a seductive silkiness. Much better with brighter fruit flavors the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Decant if you open now, but patience will bring more rewards. Source: mailing list and website. Very good (+). Reviewed July 1, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Fulcrum Wines Tina Marie Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 125 cases, $48, release date May 10, 2010. Clones 115, 667 and 777. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak and 6 months in bottle. · Effusive aromatics featuring mixed berry jam and exotic spices. Creamy in the mouth with discreetly concentrated core of black cherries, raspberries, loamy earth and a touch of citrus lift on the refreshing finish. The tannins are reigned in making for early drinkability. Nicely balanced. Very good. Reviewed April 23, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Fulcrum Wines Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 75 cases, $52, release date June 11, 2010. 67% Hein Family Vineyard and 33% Hayley Vineyard. Clones 115 and 777. Aged 14 months in 25% new French oak with additional aging in bottle for 6 months. · A fruity nose featuring creme-de-cassis with a ripe raisiny tone and a hint of alcohol. Moderately rich berry and cherry fruit that is still reserved hidden behind flavors of oak and a strain of herbaceousnecss. Appealingly smooth texture and a dry finish. Good. Reviewed April 23, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Fulcrum Wines Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 100 cases, $54, release date June 10, 2010. Clones 777, 828 and 6678. Aged in 50% new French oak for 14 months. · Appealing aromas of fresh dark berries with a hint of forest floor and peat. Full-bodied and juicy, with a mouth coating melange of blackberries and raspberry coulis. The middle palate is rich and penetrating and the finish displays young firm tannins that should resolve. Wines from this vineyard need time to develop and I would give this at least two years in the cellar. Good now but could get better. Reviewed April 23, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Fulcrum Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 100 cases, $52. 50% Hein Family Vineyard and 50% Hayley Vineyard. The clones are 115 and 777. Aged in 41% new French oak barrels for 14 months and in bottle for 5 months. Unfined and unfiltered. · With urging the nose blossoms beautifully revealing hi-tone aromas of ripe berry jam and wildflowers with a dusting of oak. The balance is admirable and the fine-grain tannins provide a silky smooth texture that is very appealing. The flavor profile leans to raspberry and cherry with a sidecar of oak. Plenty to like. Reviewed May 26, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Fulcrum Wines Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 100 cases, $52. From three vineyards, Akins, Hein Family, and Wentzel. Clones are Pommard, 115, 667 and 777. Aged 10 months in 41% new French oak (Francois Frere and Seguin Moreau). · The wine leads off with aromas of cherries, raspberries, herbs and newly mowed hay. Darker fruits dominate the flavor profile, with hints of raisin, spice and wood. Plenty of acid, even a little tart on the finish, which also displays a fruity raspberry flavor. A very respectable effort first time out. Reviewed March 23, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Fulcrum Wines Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., about 100 cases, $60. 50% Akins Vineyard (Pommard), 25% Hein Vineyard (Pommard), 25% Wentzel Vineyard (Dijon 115, 667, 777). · The aromas of cherry cola and baking spice are very alluring. Nicely presented red cherry and cassis fruit in a lighter and feminine style. Silky on the palate with lively acidity on a lip-smacking finish. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »