94 Points - Antonio Galloni's Vinous
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
92 Points - Wine Advocate
90 Points - Wine & Spirits
Exceptional mouthfeel, with juiciness, lush tannins, great acidity, and a long layered finish. Pommard Clone is a darker, more brooding example of Pinot Noir. You will find cherry, forest floor, floral and even slightly smokey notes on the nose. The palate delivers nice structure with cherry, strawberry, cinnamon and dried herb. This wine is ready to impress.
"...A rush of ripe red berry fruit, blood orange, mint, wild flowers and sweet French oak builds as this showy, flamboyant Pinot shows off its considerable charms. This is an especially alluring style. ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous
"Seared black cherries, red and purple flowers, sage and vanilla make for a very compelling nose on this bottling of a single clone. The palate is fresh with snappy raspberry flavors and then broadens toward baking-spice flavors, proving quite lush and delicious." ~ Wine Enthusiast
"...pale to medium ruby color and nose of spiced cranberry sauce, stewed rhubarb, pepper, black berries, forest floor and tobacco leaf. Medium-bodied and silky with concentrated earthy fruits, it has grainy tannins and great juicy freshness, finishing long and earthy." ~ Wine Advocate
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard Source: 100% Ashley's Vineyard (Block W)
Harvest Dates: 9/7-9/13/17
Aging: Aged 17 months in 100% French oak, of which 50% is new
Cooperage: Francois Freres, Mercurey
Harvest Brix: 23.9 - 26.7
Acid: 0.633g/100mL
pH: 3.56
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 299 cases
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
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