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”.
Jason Wilson (Vinous): his 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.” 91/100
Marc Squires (The Wine Advocate): “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.” 89/100
