93
points
Stephen Ross 2008 Bien Nacido Vineyards Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)
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$38
A stunningly delicious Pinot Noir, opulent in raspberry, cherry, red currant, red licorice, cola and beef jerky flavors. Impossible not to be impressed by the richness, yet the tannin-acid structure is wonderful and bracing. Doesn’t seem likely to age well, so drink now.
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)
93
points
Stephen Ross 2007 Stone Corral Vineyard Pinot Noir (Edna Valley)
-
$50
A very rich, complex Pinot Noir worthy of consideration for a fine cellar. It’s dry, silky and tannic, with massive black cherry, pomegranate, cola and sandalwood flavors, although that just begins to describe everything that’s going on. Feels important, but young. Give it three years.
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)
93
points
Stephen Ross 2004 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)
-
$35
This is Stephen Ross’s best Bien Nacido Pinot in recent years, showing a great marriage of power and refinement. The wine shows primary fruit, dusty spices and acids. It’s a little dry and angular, but will reward some cellaring. So complex, yet you can drink it now, but decant first.
— S.H.
(12/1/2006)
92
points
Stephen Ross 1999 Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)
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$28
This Zin has lots of alcohol, nearly 16%, but you’d never know it because it’s so balanced. It’s rich, harmonious, fruity and very dry, with that wild, savage quality that marks this variety. In its own way, it’s classic Sonoma Zin, and from a great vineyard.
— S.H.
(12/15/2001)
92
points
Stephen Ross 2008 Oliver's Vineyard Chardonnay (Edna Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
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$28
Very fine, showing the class of this vineyard, at a great price. Although the wine is thoroughly dry, it’s vast in pineapple and lime fruit, with a minerally tang from the terroir and rich, sweet buttered toast and vanilla notes from oak barrel aging. The minerality reprises throughout, giving the wine a steely authority.
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)
92
points
Stephen Ross 2008 Chorro Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir (San Luis Obispo County)
-
$38
A really nice Pinot Noir, rich and silky, with gentle tannins and fine, crisp acidity. It’s delicately structured, but powerful in raspberry, rosehip tea, vanilla, spice and sandalwood flavors. An upscale wine that gets better as it breathes in the glass.
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)