Recent reviews of The Federalist from Jancis Robinson
The Federalist Pinot Noir 2022 Central Coast - 16 points
Empty bottle 420 g. 100% Pinot Noir sourced from a single vineyard in the Central Coast region of California. The grapes were fermented in stainless-steel tanks for approximately 12 days and then pressed at dryness. The wine then spent eight months in oak barrels, 5% of which were new. Winemaker Michael Coode. Synthetic cork closure. TA 5.5 g/l, pH 3.7, RS 1.2 g/l.
Mid ruby. Smells of Pinot! Pretty sweet palate entry but this is much fresher and with more character than its Chardonnay equivalent. Slight rusty nail on the end but it delivers more than a vestige of cool-climate California Pinot.
The Federalist Chardonnay 2022 Mendocino -15 points
Empty bottle 420 g. 100% Chardonnay sourced from vineyards in Mendocino County. From the same stable as Rutherford Hill. The grapes were harvested by machine and primary fermentation took place under controlled temperatures. Malolactic conversion then occurred with lees-stirring throughout. The wine was aged on its lees in 35% new oak (primarily American and Hungarian, with a small percentage of French) until blending. Winemaker Michael Coode. Synthetic cork. TA 4.6 g/l, pH 3.7, RS 1.8 g/l.
Light nose and very sweet palate. Difficult really to see much Chardonnay character. Made to a price? More acidity, please!