PinotFile Review of Fulcrum's 2010 Vintage

Rusty Gaffney is known as the Prince of Pinot.  He tastes more California Pinot Noir than anyone we know.  His online newsletter PinotFile is a trusted and comprehensive look at California and Oregon Pinot.  Here is what he had to say:

2010 Fulcrum Londer Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Effusive and spell binding aromas of fresh black cherries and baking spices. Very tasty core of darker red cherries and berries wrapped in fine-grain, firm tannins. A beguiling wine of great interest. Very good (+)

2010 Fulcrum Floodgate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Demure aromas of black cherries, black raspberries and baking spice. Lovely fruit core with luscious flavors of black cherries, cola and spice, robed in dry, fine-grain tannins and underlain with modest acidity. Very pleasing finesse with staying power on the lengthy finish. A very distinguished vineyard source that really delivers. One of the most outstanding wines I have had from winemaker David Rossi. Very good (+).

2010 On Point Christinna’s Cuvée North Coast Pinot Noir
Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Pleasant aromas of dark red cherries, red currants and berries with notes of briar, Dr. Pepper and oak spice. Light, but big on flavor with an array of bright fruits including raspberry, cherry and blueberry. Mild tannins and great uplifting natural acidity. A solid, well-crafted wine and a good value to boot. Very good.

2010 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Brightly perfumed with aromas of black plums, blackberry jam and Chinese Five Spice. Deliciously rich core of blackberry and plum reduction sauce flavors with a very appealing accent of spice. The wines fills the mouth with fruit, grabbing your attention, but is light on its feet due to supple tannins and impeccable balance. A big boy Pinot with black tie class and flat-out terrific.