Name: Appassionata Pinot Noir Fortissimo 2012 750ml
Brand: Appassionata
SKU: 932266
Price: 116.89 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 94.2 (5 reviews)

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Winery

Appassionata

Shop all from Appassionata

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Regularly described as being the grape varietal responsible for producing the world's most romantic wines, Pinot Noir has long been associated with elegance and a broad range of flavors The name means 'black pine' in French, and this is due to the fact that the fruit of this particular varietal is especially dark in color, and hangs in a conical shape, like that of a pine cone. Despite being grown today in almost every wine producing country, Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape variety to cultivate. This is because it is especially susceptible to various forms of mold and mildew, and thrives best in steady, cooler climates. However, the quality of the fruit has ensured that wineries and vintners have persevered with the varietal, and new technologies and methods have overcome many of the problems it presents. Alongside this, the wide popularity and enthusiasm for this grape has ensured it will remain a firm favorite amongst wine drinkers for many years to come.

Country

United States

Of all the New World wine countries, perhaps the one which has demonstrated the most flair for producing high quality wines - using a combination of traditional and forward-thinking contemporary methods - has been the United States of America. For the past couple of centuries, the United States has set about transforming much of its suitable land into vast vineyards, capable of supporting a wide variety of world-class grape varietals which thrive on both the Atlantic and the Pacific coastlines. Of course, we immediately think of sun-drenched California in regards to American wines, with its enormous vineyards responsible for the New World's finest examples of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot based wines, but many other states have taken to viticulture in a big way, with impressive results. Oregon, Washington State and New York have all developed sophisticated and technologically advanced wine cultures of their own, and the output of U.S wineries is increasing each year as more and more people are converted to their produce.

Region

Oregon

The beautiful state of Oregon has, over the past few decades, become increasingly well known and respected for its wine industry, with several small but significant wineries within the state receiving world wide attention for the quality of their produce. Whilst the first vineyards within Oregon were planted in the 1840s, the state's wine industry didn't really take off until the 1960s, when several wine producers from California discovered that the cooler regions of the state were ideal for cultivating various fine grape varietals. Today, Oregon has over four hundred and fifty wineries in operation, the vast majority of which are used for the production of wines made from Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir varietal grapes, both of which thrive in the valleys and mountainsides which characterise the landscape of the state.

Appellation

Willamette Valley

The beautiful wine region of Willamette Valley is located in Oregon, one of the main wine producing states of the USA. As in much of Oregon, Willamette Valley benefits enormously from the long, hot summers the state enjoys, and the mineral rich soils which typify the wine regions found there. Willamette Valley has built up a powerful reputation over the past few decades as one of the New World's leading producers of high quality, flavorful and characterful Pinot Noir wines, as the grapes of the Pinot Noir vine thrive particularly well in the region's climatic conditions. Willamette Valley is a fascinating wine region, and is a fine representative for the state of Oregon. Innovative techniques and wine making methods are fairly commonplace there, and the overall produce of the region seems to get better each year.

WE 95pts

Wine Enthusiast

Loosen Bros. and J. Christopher Wines just released the Fortissimo and it is showing great acidity and fine-grained tannins. Its aromas and flavors of sweet red cherries, roasted pork shoulder and orange-pekoe tea are alive and kicking. Enjoy 2023–2032. (Cellar Selection)

TWI 95pts

The Wine Independent

The 2012 Appassionata Fortissimo Pinot Noir is pale to medium ruby in color. It slips easily out of the glass with notes of dried cranberries, kirsch, and rose oil followed by hints of powdered cinnamon, fallen leaves, and Ceylon tea. The light to medium-bodied palate is elegant and refreshing, with silky tannins and a long perfumed finish. J. Christopher Winery in Willamette, Oregon is owned by Ernst Loosen of Germany’s Dr. Loosen. This is only the third vintage for this label, a blend of 5 different plots on the estate which is not released until 10 years after the vintage. The 212 cases made are being released in September 2023 by Bordeaux negociant CVBG.

WS 94pts

Wine Spectator

Supple, detailed and surprisingly fresh and youthful for its age, offering fragrant cherry blossom and raspberry flavors layered with black tea and cinnamon. Finishes with refined tannins. Drink now through 2028. 109 cases made.

JD 94pts

Jeb Dunnuck

Only released with a minimum of ten years of age, the 2012 Pinot Noir Fortissimo pours a deep red hue and unfolds to reveal layers of autumnal aromas of wild cherries, licorice, forest floor, and sweet baking spices. Medium-bodied with good concentration, it is long on the palate, with ripe tannins, a silky mouthfeel, a balanced structure, and remarkable purity of fruit. It’s in a wonderful spot now yet should mature gracefully over the coming 6-8 years.

JS 93pts

James Suckling

Porcini mushrooms, currants, cranberries, rosemary, cloves and citrus zest. Bright and intense, with fine and tight tannins. So much energy and tension still. Drink or hold.

Winery Notes

Selected for ultimate expressivity and longevity, the Appassionata Pinot Noir finale, Fortissimo (dynamically forceful), is not released until 10 years after the vintage. This cuvée epitomizes what we are seeking in Willamette Valley Pinot Noir — a wine that combines brooding intensity with lilting grace and can stand alongside the classic wines of the world for generations to come.