Accolades

“Here is a local Napa Valley Pinot Noir that makes a statement…This wine delivers its characteristic Pinot Noir nose, but carries an inimitable easy body…this Pinot ranks with many of the finest from Burgundy and Oregon…true Pinot lovers will go gaga over this wine.”
--Bob Ecker, “Napa Valley Bargain Wines,” Novus Vinum/Gayot Travel Guides, Oct 2004 .

“His [Kent’s] hand-crafted Pinot Noirs merit a try…big bodied, ruby-garnet wine with aromas of complex earthy black cherries and roses. Well balanced with a wonderful velvety taste and a long finish. 93 pts.”
--Patty’s Pinot Closet Newsletter, March 2005.

“One man show Kent Fortner has, in a few short years, established a loyal and thirsty following for his rare Napa Valley Pinot Noir. Sourced from the Nord and Suscol Ridge Vineyards—the southernmost and coolest in the Napa appellation (even south of Carneros!)—[the wine] gives a clear voice to what Kent refers to as ‘the prettier side’ of Pinot Noir. And, yes there really is a Green Truck...”
--Wally’s Wine Newsletter, June 2005.

“This wine walks the walk (or should I say rides the road). The pretty ruby color draws you in. The sexy nose offers up dark cherries, roses, nutmeg, and toasty oak. Flavors of cherries, cinnamon and vanilla are luscious enough to nibble on. The wine finishes with a sexy candied cherry kiss that lingers. A beautifully balanced wine with sensual creaminess that only Pinot Noir can offer. Pinot Noir All-American 2006”
--PinotFile Newsletter, December 2006.

“Medium-deep ruby purple color; spicy, earthy, herbal notes with…toasty oak, good structure and balance; long finish. This Pinot has some deliciously complex flavors and just enough structure and tannin to balance it out. 92pts”
--The Pinot Report, June, 2005.

“This swill is GOOD!” ”
--Cousin Bob, every Friday.

“The nose is full of soft, red cherry with luscious creamy bits of vanilla and cola spice. On the palate there is well-formed acidity wrapped around the smooth loamy black cherry flavors. 91 pts.”
--Vinfolio, July 2005.

“Ask for the Green Truck Pinot Noir. Though bearing a pedestrian sobriquet…the rare pinot is among the best in the region.”
--Robb Report Motorcycling, “Riding the Silverado Trail,” January 06.

“This smooth, slightly fruity, mysterious, musty-yet-bodacious wine is perhaps…one of the finest samples to date of what the region can produce.”
--North Bay Biz Journal, July 2006.

“Kent Fortner really does drive around Napa Valley in a nifty green truck that was willed to him by his grandfather. With each passing vintage, Kent’s limited-production Pinot Noir becomes more and more sought-after. Underneath his attention-grabbing label is an extraordinary delicious Pinot Noir. This year’s season has amplified the wine’s typical juiciness, making this Kent’s most seductive bottling to date.”
--Wally’s Wine World Newsletter , June 2007.

“Each of the past three years, Fortner and his green 1966 Ford pickup have turned out a tiny batch—500 to 700 cases—of Pinot Noir that has garnered accolades and a mailing list of rabid fans, endearingly called “truckers.” His one-man operation is the epitome of specialty small-batch winemaking.” –Men’s Journal, “Napa’s New Breed,”
--Men’s Journal, “Napa’s New Breed,” October, 2007.