Fort Ross Vineyards Chardonnay Estate

Overview
Fort Ross Vineyards Chardonnay Estate is an estate-grown white wine from the rugged Fort Ross-Seaview AVA in Sonoma Coast, capturing the cool-climate character of this high-elevation vineyard site known for its maritime fog and mineral-rich soils.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Fort Ross Vineyards sits at over 1,700 feet elevation along the Sonoma Coast, where Pacific breezes and shallow, fractured soils yield Chardonnay with vibrant acidity and site-specific minerality. The estate focuses on small-production wines that reflect the terroir of this remote, wind-swept appellation.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Bright citrus zest, green apple, and wet stone minerality, with subtle hints of lemon blossom and a touch of flinty ocean air.
• Palate: Crisp green apple and Meyer lemon lead, balanced by lively acidity and a chalky mineral core; secondary notes of pear and subtle vanilla oak add texture without overpowering the fruit.
• Finish: Clean and persistent, with lingering citrus pith and saline minerality.

Notable details

• Production: Estate fruit, cool-climate fermentation, partial barrel aging for structure.
• Lineage: From Fort Ross Vineyard, pioneers of Fort Ross-Seaview AVA wines since 1992.
• Comparison: Echoes the steely precision of Sonoma Coast neighbors like Hirsch Vineyards.
• Availability: Limited production from this hard-to-farm site.

Serving suggestions
Chilled to 45–50°F neat or with a splash of water to open aromas. Pairs with Dungeness crab, oysters, or goat cheese salads.

"The Chardonnay from Fort Ross shows remarkable site transparency, with the rocky soils imparting a distinctive saline edge." – Winery notes on Sonoma Coast terroir

Closing
A precise, terroir-driven Chardonnay for those seeking cool-climate elegance over opulence.