Meyer lemon and cantaloupe converge on the dynamic nose of this bottling along with white flowers, yellow pears and chalk. That white-rock minerality consumes the grippy palate, where Asian pear, light guava and jasmine flavors emerge. - MATT KETTMANN
Wine Enthusiast • 90 Points • August 2019
Source: Wine Enthusiast • August 2019
2017 Pinot Gris, Spanish Springs Vineyard
Intriguing aromas of dried lemon peels, wet wool, crushed rocks and lime pith show on the dynamic nose of this bottling from a very coastal vineyard behind Pismo Beach. There is compelling grip to the sip with flavors of citrus, apple blossom and a pinch of salt.
— Matt Kettmann
Wine Enthusiast • 92 Points • August 2019
Source: Wine Enthusiast • August 2019
2018 Rosé of Grenache, Edna Valley
A very pretty shade of pink with a hint of mauve, this bottling starts with chalky bubblegum aromas as well as a hint of slate and wet earth. The palate is very engaging with zippy acidity and tension that frame the watermelon, strawberry and red-plum-skin flavors.
—Matt Kettmann
2017 Rosé • Vinous • 90 Points • January 2019
Source: Vinous • January 2019
2017 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Edna Valley
(all whole clusters and raised in stainless steel tanks) Pale orange. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes fresh red berries, orange zest, succulent flowers and chalky minerals. Vibrant strawberry, cherry and tangerine flavors steadily put on weight with aeration. Smoothly blends power and finesse and shows impressive tension on the finish, where the mineral and red fruit notes return.
- Josh RaynoldsWinemaker Focus: Stephen Ross Dooley
It’s a long way from Mankato, Minnesota, to the Central Coast of California, but Stephen Ross Dooley harnessed the tailwinds of passion and heeded the pull of the grapes. Here’s what happens when the whisper of a passion becomes the clear voice of a life aligned with purpose.
January 2017 Update
The vines are dormant, and our 2016 vintage wines are tucked away safely in barrel. In the meantime, we're having some fun with a little research and development here at the winery!
Californian Pinot Noir & Chardonnay #blindtasting #comparative
Post Harvest 2016
The cellar is clean and the wines are tasting yummy
Small Wineries, Big Results
"Stephen Ross Dooley is considered by many as one of the top winemakers on the Central Coast and I certainly agree" - Russ Winton (The Modesto Bee)
"Bitten by the Winemaker bug"
Stephen Ross Wine Cellars hosted a “Tapas at Two”, held in the barrel room of their Edna Valley winery. Winemaker Stephen Ross Dooley spoke about his renowned small production wines, from their Stone Corral estate vineyard and a handful of other high quality vineyards in the region. Ross was bitten with the winemaking bug as a teen in Minnesota, and pursued his passion, through UC Davis’s Enology school to a decade of winemaking in Napa Valley. Founding his own label in 1994, Ross has continued to explore winemaking possibilities from the different vineyards in the Edna Valley AVA. A stunning 2014 Jespersen Ranch Albariño greeted wine lovers, with it’s juicy acidity, low alcohol, and bright fruit flavors, it was perfect with the grilled shrimp. The tasting included a study in their flagship wine, the Stephen Ross Stone Corral Vineyard Pinot Noir, the 2011, 2013, and 2015 vintages. It was fascinating how each wine was slightly different, reflecting growing conditions and time in the bottle. Overall, the Stone Corral Pinot Noirs are dense and concentrated, with rich dark fruit flavors and spice, balanced by acidity and polished tannins, a truly beautiful wine in all years.
Roll Out the Barrels Recap!
"Besides his exceptional Pinot Noir that comes from his estate vineyard, Stone Corral Vineyard that was planted in 2001, Stephen Ross has a wonderful Albarino that exudes flavors of stone fruit and florals..."