Ma Danseuse
Pinot Noir
From the Estate Vineyard in Fort Ross/Seaview, Sonoma County
Overview
'Ma Danseuse' ("My Dancer") was named for Lady Michael by Sir Peter. As a young man attending judo classes in London, Peter took note of the considerably more charming attendees of the dance school across the lane, and in particular, a certain gold medal-winning ballroom dancer to whom he soon extended an invitation out. The future Lady Michael said that she would love to… as long as he was a medal-level ballroom dancer. “I thought he was a rather pushy individual but I do so love to dance.” –Lady Michael The most feminine of our Pinot Noirs, this wine is made from grapes grown in the coolest, northernmost sections of our Fort Ross-Seaview vineyard, which is oriented towards the marine air moving through the Gualala River canyon.
Pronunciation
(ma dan-sooz) French for “my dancer”
Current Vintage
Vintage Notes
At Seaview, less rainfall than usual led to a drier-than-normal 2022 growing season and an early budbreak. The weather during bloom was highly variable, which caused extremely low fruit set, resulting in yields less than half the normal crop at Seaview. Although the majority of the ripening season was moderate, as harvest approached, temperatures increased, with unusually high heat compressing the range of picking dates to just over one week from September 9 to 16.
Winegrowing Notes
The vineyard Ma Danseuse, French for “my dancer,” is named in honor of Lady Michael by Sir Peter, who fondly remembers how they first met. Situated between 1,000 and 1,500 feet (305 to 457 meters) above sea level on steep mountain slopes, the vineyard faces east and northeast. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean over the ridges to the west and the mild sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt, and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body, and a hint of graphite-mineral. Ma Danseuse is the most feminine of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The dark garnet 2022 ‘Ma Danseuse’ displays a stunning perfume of black cherries, red rose petals, black plum, violets, and black raspberry with hints of forest floor and cinnamon. A soft entry leads to a fleshy, yet structured, intense mid-palate supported by ultra-fine tannins. The 2022 ‘Ma Danseuse’ strikes a beautiful balance between elegance and power with an exceptionally long, lingering finish.
Hand Harvested
September 9–September 16
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 7, 2024
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2024
Alcohol
15.2%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Past Vintages
Vintage Notes
The winter rains were less abundant than average, continuing two years of drier winters at the Seaview Estate. Despite some highly variable spring temperatures, the majority of the bloom period occurred under ideal conditions, resulting in excellent fruit set across all three vineyards. The 2021 growing season was exceptionally mild, with harvest spanning two weeks from September 13 to September 27. The 2021 Seaview Estate Pinot Noirs are vibrant, balanced, and classically styled.
Winegrowing Notes
The vineyard Ma Danseuse, French for “my dancer,” is named in honor of Lady Michael by Sir Peter, who fondly remembers how they first met. Situated between 1,000 and 1,500 feet (305 to 457 meters) above sea level on steep mountain slopes, the vineyard faces east and northeast. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean over the ridges to the west and the mild sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt, and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body, and a hint of graphite-mineral. Ma Danseuse is the most feminine of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
With a shimmering, dark garnet hue, the 2021 ‘Ma Danseuse’ showcases a gorgeous display of rose petals, black cherry, strawberries, and black raspberries with subtle hints of clove, graphite, and vanilla. A polished, round entry builds to well-integrated tannins in the late midpalate and a soft finish. The wine is structured with impressive density and flesh with great length.
Hand Harvested
September 13–September 27
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 13, 2023
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2023
Alcohol
15.0%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2019 growing season began with abundant rainfalls during February. The climate remained cool through spring, allowing the vines to produce a proper canopy but without an excess of vigor. Bloom was delayed by two weeks and as a result, the veraison was able to develop evenly and the harvest occurred late. During the summer, we managed the canopy with two simple edging passes. In addition, we omitted the de-leafing of the canopy to aid in preserving the natural acidity of this special vintage that nature presented to us. Pinot Noir is among the most fastidious varietals; therefore, very special care is devoted in the vineyard and the cellars to this noble Pinot Fins selection. The fruit across the three vineyards—Clos du Ciel, Le Caprice, and Ma Danseuse—was harvested crunchy and fully ripe, a rare goal to achieve. Without a doubt, 2019 is a stunning, classic vintage.
Winegrowing Notes
Ma Danseuse, situated between 1,000 and 1,500 feet above sea level on steep mountain slopes faces east and northeast. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean over the ridges to the west and the mild sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt, and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body, and a hint of graphite mineral. Ma Danseuse is the most feminine of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Dark ruby-colored, ‘Ma Danseuse’ exudes an extraordinary perfume of Asian spices, clove and dried herbs along with fresh raspberry and blackberry. Full-bodied with savory layers of flavor reminiscent of leather, earth, graphite and sandalwood, enlivened by notes of violets, rose petal, and strawberry coulis. A silky entry evolves into an explosive midpalate that is seamless throughout with great length, providing a long finish.
Hand Harvested
September 28 to October 8
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 9, 2020
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2021
Alcohol
14.4%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2017 growing season began with abundant rainfall, ending California’s long drought. Spring weather was cool, but dry, resulting in an extended blooming period. The vines were vigorous thanks to the winter rains. Aggressive canopy management and fruit thinning brought the crop into optimal balance. Warmer than normal conditions after veraison accelerated ripening and required careful irrigation to mitigate dehydration. A return of cooler conditions allowed our Pinot Noir to slowly reach perfect ripeness. Picking was gradual and methodical, yielding a slightly larger than normal harvest. The vintage produced rich, forward Pinot Noirs that will show well young, but possess the structure to age.
Winegrowing Notes
Ma Danseuse, French for ‘My Dancer,’ is named in honor of Lady Michael by Sir Peter, who fondly remembers how they first met. Situated between 1,200 and 1,400 feet above sea level on steep mountain slopes, the vineyard faces east and north-east. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean over the ridges to the west and the mild sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body and a hint of graphite-mineral. The Ma Danseuse is the most feminine of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
This wine charms the eye with a red ruby color and bright crimson highlights. The nose is marked with notes of raspberry, Griotte cherry, strawberry, leather with a subtle note of violet and rose. Balanced and refined the 2017 Ma Danseuse has a wonderful concentration of delicate red fruits, red rose petal, cloves, vanilla, hazelnut and a mineral driven finish. The tannins are well integrated and the texture silky. The wine is approachable now, but will continue to develop for two decades.
Hand Harvested
September 16 - 28 2017
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 12, 2019
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2019
Alcohol
14.8%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The near perfect 2016 growing season started with a warm February and early bud break. While California’s drought continued, rains were sufficient to meet the vineyard’s needs. Cool damp conditions at blooming resulted in a well formed, but smaller than average clusters. After veraison, a single pass of thinning brought the crop into optimal balance. Overall, the vintage gave us ideal ripening conditions, maintaining excellent balance between sugar, acidity and the tannin development. Moderate temperatures at harvest allowed gradual picking as each block achieved perfection, providing excellent flavor development. The vintage produced classically styled Pinot Noirs with great intensity and uncommon ageability.
Winegrowing Notes
Ma Danseuse, French for “My Dancer,” is named in honor of Lady Michael by Sir Peter, who fondly remembers how they first met. Situated between 1,200 and 1,400 feet above sea level on steep mountain slopes, the vineyard faces east and north-east. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean over the ridges to the west and the mild sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body and a hint of graphite-mineral. The Ma Danseuse is the most feminine of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2016 Ma Danseuse charms the eye with its distinctively deep red ruby hue. The nose exhibits a bouquet of roses, raspberry, Griotte cherry, strawberry, leather with a subtle note of violet. The palate shows balance and refinement, with subtle notes of delicate red fruits, red rose petal, cloves, vanilla, hazelnut and a mineral driven finish. The tannins are well integrated and the texture silky. The 2016 vintage reward two years of cellaring and will continue to develop for two decades or more.
Hand Harvested
September 16 - 17, 2016
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 12, 2018
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2018
Alcohol
14.6%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The winter was dry with only 70% of normal rainfall, continuing three years of drought. Unseasonably warm temperatures in early spring accelerated bud break by four weeks. The growing season, bloom through veraison, benefited from moderate temperatures, resulting in a very even fruit set. However, early use of drip irrigation was critical for the health of the vines. Hand thinning balanced the crop at 2 tons per acre. Ideal Indian summer conditions allowed us to calmly harvest each block as it achieved optimal ripeness. The vintage yielded wine of exceptional balance and concentration.
Winegrowing Notes
Ma Danseuse, French for “My Dancer,” is named in honor of Lady Michael by Sir Peter, who fondly remembers how they first met. Situated between 1,200 and 1,400 feet above sea level on steep mountain slopes, the vineyard faces east and north-east. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean over the ridges to the west and the mild sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body and a hint of graphite-mineral. The Ma Danseuse is the most feminine of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
This wine charms the eye with a red ruby color and bright crimson highlights. The nose is marked with notes of rose, raspberry, Griotte cherry, strawberry and forest floor. Delicate, fragrant, complete and refined, on the palate the 2014 Ma Danseuse has a wonderful concentration of red fruit and rose blossom, with subtle savory notes of sandalwood, leather, clove, hazelnut, mineral and cigar box, which embraces a silky texture and lingering aromatic finish. It will continue to express its potential for two decades.
Hand Harvested
September 1 – September 8, 2014
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 2, 2016
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2016
Alcohol
14.2%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2013 growing season began with a dry spring and mild temperatures, very similar to the previous vintage. Bloom occurred evenly under excellent weather conditions, setting a small crop. We worked slowly and meticulously on canopy management and crop thinning, reducing yields further by adjusting each block to one cluster per shoot. From veraison to the harvest, a long Indian summer contributed to the exceptional quality of the vintage. Sunny days, followed by cool evenings allowed for even, slow ripening. Dry conditions coupled with only minor heat spikes made for berries with amazing fruit intensity and a classic varietal profile.
Winegrowing Notes
Ma Danseuse, French for “My Dancer,” is named in honor of Lady Michael by Sir Peter, who fondly remembers how they first met. Situated between 1,200 and 1,400 feet above sea level on steep mountain slopes, the vineyard faces east and northeast. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean over the ridges to the west and the mild sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannins, body and a hint of graphite-mineral. Ma Danseuse is the most feminine of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Ma Danseuse charms the eye with its red ruby color and red-crimson color. The nose exhibits a bouquet of roses, raspberry, Griotte cherry, strawberry, forest floor and a subtle note of violet. Delicate, fragrant, complete and refined, 2013 Ma Danseuse has on the palate a wonderful concentration of red fruits, red rose blossoms, with subtle notes of Asian spices, hazelnut, mineral and pheasant fur, which embraces a silky texture and lingering aromatic finish. It will continue to express its potential for two decadess
Hand Harvested
September 3 – September 10, 2013
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 12, 2015
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2015
Alcohol
14.4%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2012 growing season began with a dry spring and mild temperatures. Fog in the morning had little effect on our vineyards in their high altitude microclimate. Sunshine-filled days, followed by cool evenings allowed for even, slow ripening. No rain or severe heat spikes made for berries with amazing fruit intensity and a classic varietal profile. Typical for our Seaview Vineyard, we worked slowly and meticulously on canopy management and crop thinning. This diligent, hard work by our vineyard crew ensured a balanced, elegant structure with concentrated, tasty berries.
Winegrowing Notes
Ma Danseuse, French for “My Dancer,” is named in honor of Lady Michael by Sir Peter, who fondly remembers how they first met. Situated between 1,200 and 1,400 feet above sea level on steep slopes, the vineyard faces east and northeast. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean over the ridges to the west and the mild sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannin, body and a hint of graphite-mineral. Ma Danseuse is the most feminine of our trio of estate Pinot Noir bottlings.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Ma Danseuse charms with its ‘Jeu de Couleur’ of red ruby color and red-crimson color. The nose exhibits a bouquet of roses, raspberry, Griotte cherry, strawberry, forest floor and a subtle note of violet. Delicate, fragrant, complete and refined, 2012 Ma Danseuse has in the palate a wonderful concentration of red fruits, red rose blossoms, with subtle notes of Asian spices and pheasant fur, which embraces a silky texture and lingering aromatic finish. It will continue to express its potential for two decades.
Hand Harvested
September 22 – September 28, 2012
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2014
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
April 1, 2014
Alcohol
15.1%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2011 growing season started with a cool wet spring. While our Seaview vineyards did not experience any frost, the temperatures delayed bud break.The weather from fruit set through harvest stayed even, cool and mild without any damaging heat spikes.This coupled with the ample spring rains allowed us to dry farm in this vintage.To ensure proper ripening, we worked diligently on canopy management and crop thinning. This attention to detail allowed the fruit to ripen evenly and resulted in wines that are more “European” in style. For Pinot Noir, 2011 will be remembered as a vintage that yielded wines exhibiting gorgeous structure and elegance
Winegrowing Notes
Ma Danseuse, French for “My Dancer,” is named in honor of Lady Michael by Sir Peter, who fondly remembers how they first met. Situated between 1,200 and 1,400 feet above sea level on steep slopes, the vineyard faces east and northeast. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean over the ridges to the west and the mild sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannin, body and a hint of graphite-mineral. Ma Danseuse is the most feminine of our trio of estate Pinot Noir bottlings.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Ma Danseuse charms the eye with its red ruby color and bright maroon tinge. Its bouquet is vibrant and delicate with aromas of roses, raspberry, Griotte cherries, forest floor, redcurrant, and a subtle note of violet. 2011 Ma Danseuse is delicate, fragrant and refined and shows wonderful concentration on the palate. Spring blossoms and potpourri, with subtle notes of rare spices embraces a silky texture and lingering aromatic finish.
Hand Harvested
September 21, 2011 to September 27, 2011
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2013
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2013
Alcohol
13.9%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2010 growing season was exceptionally cool. A mild, wet spring resulted in late bud break, and the fruit set was lighter than normal. Balancing our vines to one cluster per shoot further reduced the yields to about one ton per acre. From veraison until harvest, we enjoyed sunny and mostly mild conditions. A few hot days in August accelerated maturation, giving us an ideal ripening season. The high altitude microclimate of our vineyard prevented the fog from further slowing ripening. Harvest occurred a few weeks later than normal, and the grapes from our Seaview estate were beautiful, compact clusters with petite concentrated tasty berries. Low yields resulted in intense densely flavored wines
Winegrowing Notes
Ma Danseuse, French for “My Dancer,” is named in honor of Lady Michael by Sir Peter, who fondly remembers how they first met. Situated between 1,200 and 1,400 feet above sea level on steep mountain slopes, the vineyard faces east and northeast. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean over the ridges to the west and the mild sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannin, body and a hint of graphite-mineral. The Ma Danseuse is the most feminine of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Ma Danseuse charms with its red ruby color and bright maroon tinge. Its bouquet is vibrant and delicate with aromas of roses, raspberry, Griotte cherry, forest floor, red currant, and a subtle note of violet. Elegant, fragrant and refined, the 2010 Ma Danseuse has in the palate a wonderful concentration of red fruits and spring blossom with subtle notes of rare spices embracing a silky texture and lingering aromatic finish. It will age gracefully for a decade.
Hand Harvested
October 1, 2010 to October 5, 2010
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2012
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2012
Alcohol
15.8%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2009 growing season began with an average amount of rainfall, but with significant spring precipitation. Conditions were windy and cool for the blooming period, so the fruit set was lighter than normal. Balancing our vines to one cluster per shoot further reduced the yields, ultimately netting about one ton per acre. From veraison until harvest, we welcomed sunny and mild conditions: an ideal ripening season. The high altitude microclimate of our vineyard prevented the fog from affecting the vintage. Harvest occurred very early, in the first week of September. The Pinot Noir grapes from our vineyard were beautiful, small, compact clusters with petite concentrated tasty berries.
Winegrowing Notes
Ma Danseuse, French for “My Dancer,” is named in honor of Lady Michael by Sir Peter, who fondly remembers how they first met. Situated between 1,200 and 1,400 feet above sea level on steep mountain slopes, the vineyard faces East and Northeast. It benefits from both the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean and the mild sunny mountain climate. The soil of the vineyard is a composite of clay, silt and volcanic gravels, which gives polished tannin, body and a hint of graphite-mineral. Ma Danseuse is the most femininec of our trio of Pinot Noir vineyards.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Ma Danseuse charms with its red ruby color and bright maroon tinge. The nose exhibits a bouquet of roses, raspberry, Griotte cherry, forest floor, red currant, and a subtle note of violet. Delicate, fragrant and refined, 2009 Ma Danseuse has in the palate a wonderful concentration of red fruits and spring blossom such as potpourri with subtle notes of rare spices embracing a silky texture and lingering aromatic finish.
Hand Harvested
September 4 – September 12, 2009
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2011
Appellation(s)
Fort Ross - Seaview, Sonoma County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2011
Alcohol
14.9%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard
Ma Danseuse Vineyard
Two vineyard sections, separated by forests and positioned on steep mountain slopes. East and northeast facing to receive the cool influence of the Pacific Ocean and the mild sunny mountain climate.
Appellation
Fort Ross-Seaview AVA,Sonoma County
Soil
Rocky alluvial sediments, decomposing volcanic material, clay
Elevation
1,000–1,500 feet
Variety
Pinot Noir
Planted
2006
Exposure
East–Northeast