A small but great group gathered in Croton to taste some Kelley Fox wines. I had only tasted a few scattered KF wines before.
Nice spread of cheeses, charcuterie and olives (some grilled!)
1997 Corbon Champagne
I don’t remember the last time I had a 1997 Champagne but this is delicious! Pear with a hint of hazelnut, chalky mineral finish, long with an elegant mousse. Agnes makes them to age! A-
2019 Kelley Fox “Barbie” Pinot Blanc
This is Freedom Hill raised in acacia. Pear, wildflowers, a spicy cinnamon note. B/B+
2019 Kelley Fox “Freedom Hill” Pinot Blanc
Maybe my fave non-German PB ever. Pear, peach, a touch of vanillin oak, nice length. B+
2018 Kelley Fox “Durant Vineyard Lark Block” Chardonnay
Still young and developing nicely, Bosc pear and orange blossoms, full rich and lively, B+/A-
2018 Kelley Fox “Mirabai” Pinot Noir
A mix from Maresh and Weber, red cherry and strawberry, spicy and ready. B
2018 Kelley Fox “Maresh Vineyard Red Barn Block “ Pinot Noir
Spicy stem notes, red and black cherry, tangy, long and structured A-
2018 Kelley Fox “ “Maresh Royal Anne Block “ Pinot Noir
Smoky and spicy, black cherry and raspberry, great length and approachable. A-
2018 Kelley Fox “Maresh“Star of Bethlehem Block “ Pinot Noir
Comparatively tight, but lovely elegant wine underneath. B+ for now
2017 Kelley Fox “Hyland Vineyard Coury Clones “ Pinot Noir
Even spicier than the Maresh, lovely black cherry fruit, lots in reserve. B+
A great, deeply flavored beef stew made an appearance.
2016 Kelley Fox “Momtazi Vineyard “ Pinot Noir
Black cherry and plum, smoke, ready. B
2016 Kelley Fox “Momtazi Vineyard Tir “ Pinot Noir
I think a different clone than regular Momtazi? Earthy, black cherry, resolved tannins, medium acids. B/B+
2016 Kelley Fox “Maresh Vineyard “ Pinot Noir
Black cherry, mocha, mustard seed, vibrant but a touch closed with structure and the potentialf to age quite a bit more. A-
Lots of young wine, so John served us 2 blind wines. We got Oregon but only got producer of first with hint.
1999 St. Innocent Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir
A bit volatile on nose, not exactly light on its feet, showing it’s age. B-
1985 Ponzi Pinot Noir
Lovely, mature, and complete. Red berries, autumn leaves, damp earth. Really fun, once we got vintage Sasha got producer (he said not a lot of choices back then)/
There was also a red vermouth Kelley Fox made from smoke tainted PN in 2020, people who drink vermouth thought it quite good. I don’t drink red vermouth.
Very fun night, very impressed with Ms. Fox’s wines. I placed my first order at 7 AM next morning.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it as only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.