"The 2017 Pinot Noir Classique was partially (30%) whole-cluster pressed, fermented with indigenous yeasts and then aged for ten months in French oak barrels. It comes in at 13% alcohol. This was the winery's only Pinot this year, the single-vineyard wines having been declassified. Not nearly as expressive as the Sawmill this issue, this still shows good depth, brightness and length. There's a smokier, darker flavor profile. The structure is very good, but it will be approachable young." RP

"This is an energetic, well-made Pinot Noir. Light garnet. Fresh, fruity nose at first, but notes of licorice hint at darker things. The freshness carries through the palate of wild blackberry and plum; earthier notes emerge at midpalate – bramble, cedar and forest floor. A touch of campfire on the finish. Good aging potential here, and great value." Vinous

Only from fruit harvested on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. The soil here consists of slate, gravelly loam and clay with limestone. After a very hot August, manual harvesting took place on 21 and 22 September. After fermentation, the wine matured for 10 months in French oak barrels, 1/3 of which were new, and was bottled unaged and unfiltered. Forge Cellars produces a truly delicious Pinot Noir. Despite its admittedly very limited production, it still remains at a particularly attractive price. No single vineyards were made in 2017, the best fruit was used for this "Classique".