Fulcrum 2011 Pinot Noirs Reviewed by Dan Berger

We were thrilled when Dan Berger recently wrote a feature article about Fulcrum in his acclaimed publication, Dan Berger’s Vintage Experiences. For those of you not familiar with Dan, he is one of the most respected wine writers in North America. In fact, he was recently honored by his peers, and industry professionals, as one of the “20 Most Admired People in the North American Wine Industry.” Needless to say, having Dan call Fulcrum, a “New Pinot Star in Ascendancy” and “a stellar new entrant in the U.S. Pinot ranks because of superb quality,” felt great. Here is what Dan had to say about our current releases, all of which he rated “Exceptional.”

Exceptional - 2011 Fulcrum Brosseau Vineyard Pinot Noir: Dramatic aroma of wild cherry, spice, and a Burgundian note not unlike Gevrey-Chambertin. Deep and full-flavored and huge potential for 3-5 more years or more.

Exceptional - 2011 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir: Perhaps the best of the Fulcrum wines. A wild earthy, minerally aroma has a note of violet and a regional complexity that David Rossi called “Gap-y.” A truly great wine that is actually a bargain at the price.

Exceptional - 2011 Fulcrum Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir: Not the typical Carneros style of wine since the altitude of the vineyard gives the wine a cool- climate feel. There are notes of nutmeg/cumin (really it’s a bit like Balkan Sobranie tobacco), a faint earthiness, and a red cherry mid-palate. Needs a few years.

Exceptional - 2011 On Point Chalone Pinot Noir: A second label of Fulcrum, also from Brosseau, this stellar wine has a bit less of the depth of the earlier wine and is a little more approachable. A bargain.

Exceptional - 2011 On Point Christinna’s Cuvée Pinot Noir: Also from the Londer Vineyard, it has slightly more rustic notes, but the bright fruit of the earlier wine is evident, and the delicately rustic nature of the wine (along with a tad of tea) is based on the Swan Clone of PN. A bargain.