Howard Rossbach (who grew up in the Bronx) of Firesteed started out by successfully crafting a good, affordable Oregon Pinot Noir at $10.
After this success he wanted to attempt a higher end wine in a creative way, so he selected the best available Pinots of the region, fermented in small vessels, then aged in French oak for 18 months before bottle aging for 5 years … There really aren’t that many Oregon Pinot Noirs aged for 5 years before release.
The results? A complex but softened beauty. I allowed a few hours decanting and the aromas were dark and earthy. In the glass deep ruby colors and a nose full of strawberry shortcake with a bit of citrus. On the palate ripe black cherries, vanilla, a smoky spice, forest floor and a good long balanced finish.
$50, 13.6% alcohol
Full disclosure: This bottle was a complimentary sample for Vigna Uva Vino from Firesteed Cellars.
1 comment:
Hello Dave!
I wanted to thank you for your super kind words about Firesteed wines and Citation by Firesteed. I also wanted to share with you that while for years Firesteed's owner, Howard Rossbach has been very successful in sharing, selling and promoting delicious, value priced Oregon wines, the winemaking has been passionately and lovingly performed by Bryan Croft. Bryan hails from California, is a UC Davis graduate, and his grandfather, Kenneth Knapp was a CA winemaker in the central valley for more than 50 years. Bryan is a talented and committed winemaking artisan, crafting wines for every person who wants to enjoy wine in any economy. The Citation is among the best Bryan has made but you should taste here at the winery sometime to be really delighted:) Thanks again for your kind words about the wine my husband makes, I am going to share with him tonight when I get home from working in the lab here at Firesteed! Cheers to you, Shellie Croft, proud wife and lab tech to Bryan. (We're in Facebook too)
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