Meet NJ Native David Rossi (He started making wine…in his basement.)
Meet New Jersey Native David Rossi And Sample Four Of His Outstanding Sonoma Wines David Rossi started making small lots of wine in his basement in New Jersey. More than being just a simple home winemaker, he soon began flying in Riesling and Gewurztraminer grapes from Washington, Malbec from Argentina, and Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir from California, ultimately making up to forty 10-gallon lots of wine each vintage. He also formed relationships with local winegrowers in Monmouth County N.J., helped to plant new vineyards and gained extensive hands-on viticultural experience.
In 2005, with a shelf full of national amateur winemaking awards, he founded Fulcrum Wines in the heart of California wine country. He has emerged as one of California’s most exciting Pinot Noir makers and one of its best-kept secrets. Vintage after vintage, Fulcrum’s wines are among the finest from their appellations and the accolades are too numerous to list. His outstanding wines are perfectly suited to a Thanksgiving feast! Below are some of David’s picks:
Cloisonne, 2014 Pinot Noir, Carneros, CA
This affordable, medium-bodied Pinot Noir displays subtle toast aromas from 15 months in French oak barrels (15% new). With enough time in the glass, this wine runs the gamut of distinctive varietal flavors, with plum evolving into ultra-ripe cranberry, black cherry and eventually turning to delicate strawberry and spice in the finish. The fruit remains cloaked in a translucent veil of toasty oak that compliments rather than overpowers the fruit. Regularly $18.99, Special Tasting Price, $15.99
Pinot Noir Christina’s Cuvee.
On Point, 2013 Pinot Noir Christina’s Cuvee, Anderson Valley, CA
This lushly textured Pinot Noir displays restrained nuances of mocha in the nose and palette, followed by rich flavors of dark chocolate covered cherries, cassis, earth and spice. Wispy hints of wood smoke appear in the lengthy finish. Regularly $32.99, Special Tasting Price, $26.99
Pinot Noir, Landy Vineyard
Fulcrum, 2013 Pinot Noir, Brosseau Vineyard, Chalone AVA, CA
The nose displays a little of that wild, smoky, earthy Pinot Noir funkiness that Pinotphiles adore. This is a medium to full-bodied red featuring dark, spicy berry flavors folded into a bed of stony minerals. The substantial finish reveals understated notes of earth and mocha. Regularly $51.99, Special Tasting Price, $39.99
Fulcrum, 2013 Pinot Noir, Landy Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA
Rich, earthy aromas are reminiscent of vanillin cookie dough and dark fruits. This is a full-bodied Pinot Noir with ripe plum, black cherry and cassis fruit flavors presented with a soft, luscious mouthfeel. When given some time to breathe some strawberry and sweet spice characteristics emerge on the eternal finish. Regularly $51.99, Special Tasting Price, $39.99
