Our love for Cabernet spans decades, and our passion for Pinot Noir runs to our very core. We have long admired and enjoyed the lush, richly flavored, and bright Pinot Noirs from California’s West Sonoma Coast. In 2007, founder Fred Schrader, along with good friends and current proprietors David and Judy Steiner, became the proud owners of a phenomenal parcel of land, two ridgelines in from the Sonoma coastline within the fantastic Fort Ross – Seaview AVA. Thanks to the vineyard management prowess of Ulises Valdez, Sr and the winemaking excellence of Thomas Rivers Brown, what started as a grassy, untamed hilltop where wild boars roamed freely has been transformed into a world-class West Sonoma Coast vineyard, our Boars’ View.
FORT ROSS - SEAVIEW | WEST SONOMA COAST
The 2024 growing season began with abundant winter rainfall, as Sonoma County received roughly 40 inches of precipitation, approximately 25% above historical averages. The rains replenished groundwater reserves and set the stage for a healthy growing season. Conditions moderated considerably in August, resulting in a steady, uneventful harvest. The resulting wines possess a compelling sense of balance and harmony. All blocks were handpicked at night and delivered to the winery in the early hours of the day. This was a classic West Sonoma Coast growing season.
This vintage produced a wine that expresses the steep, wooded ridgelines that surround the Boar’s View vineyard site in West Sonoma County. A complex array of aromas suggests mushroom, wild strawberry, loam, and cedar bough. The round, inviting palate shows off even deeper notes of plum, star anise, boysenberry, lavender oil, and pomegranate. The silky tannin structure and bright acidity provide ample balance. This wine is drinking well now, opening up gracefully with a little time in a decanter. – Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown
CRITICAL PRAISE, Rated 94+ From the estate vineyard located off Bohan Dillon Road, the deep red 2024 Pinot Noir BDR packs in a good deal of intensity on the nose, with notes of black tea, currants, black raspberries, and fresh lavender. I really enjoy this vintage aromatically. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with a weightless feel, gravelly stone undertones, and cooling mineral lift. Drink 2026-2046. – Audrey Frick, www.jebdunnuck.com
FORT ROSS - SEAVIEW | WEST SONOMA COAST
“The 2024 growing season began with a cool start kept soil temperatures low and delayed budbreak once again, allowing the vines to ease gradually into the season. Summer temperatures turned warm and consistent, yet without any significant heat events. Crop size was larger than average this year, with generous cluster size and uniform berry set across blocks. The warm, even conditions continued into early Fall. Harvest commenced at an unhurried pace, with each block picked at peak maturity. – Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown.
CRITICAL PRAISE, Rated 96. The 2024 estate Pinot Noir, “The Coast,” comes from the same vineyard as the BDR and estate Chardonnay, located at 1,000 feet, three ridgelines from the Pacific Ocean. The nose leans into red fruit from the Calera clone with more structure. Preserved cranberries, juniper, and mountain spice emerge. Full-bodied, with ripe tannins, supple richness, resonating sapidity, and refreshing acidity, it feels more refined now, with polish, purity, and compact elegance. Bravo. Mouthwatering lift carries through the finish. Drink 2026-2046.. – Audrey Frick, www.jebdunnuck.com
FORT ROSS - SEAVIEW | WEST SONOMA COAST
Our estate, Chardonnay, is extremely limited. The vineyard is about one acre and planted entirely with the Wente clone. “Aromatically floral and crisp, with a luxurious mouthfeel and pitch-perfect acidity throughout the entire trajectory. In the glass, this wine radiates a pale honey hue. Aromas emerge in waves, suggesting white lilac, lemon oil, peppercorn, and crushed flint. The sleek palate is layered with mouth-watering notes of lychee, brass, crème brulee, jasmine, lime pith, and apricot. The weighty mid-palate is balanced by vivacious acidity and a lithe floral finish.” — Winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown
CRITICAL PRAISE, Rated 95: “From a vineyard of less than an acre and entirely Wente, the full-bodied 2024 Chardonnay The Coast offers structure and bright acidity. A youthful uniform yellow hue, it’s flush with smoky, cooling wet stones, savory fresh herbs, lemon and orange oils, and savory spice. Full-bodied but not heavy, it has savory bitter almond and citrus on the finish, with hints of resinous tones while remaining fully dry. Drink over the coming 8-10 years. Drink 2026-2036.” Drink 2025-2035. — Audrey Frick, www.jebdunnuck.com5