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
94 Points
Decadent, rich, and supple. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, crushed stone, dried herbs, and cedar lead into layered notes of cassis, fennel, baked plums, mocha powder, and cigars dusted with roasted Herbs de Provence, earth and red volcanic mineral notes. Full-bodied and rich, with a firm spine of racy acidity and ultra-fine, gravelly tannins that carry the lasting, mouthwatering finish.
93 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cedar unfold alongside soft notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, structured tannins frame layers of black cherry, baking spice, and a subtle herbal lift from the Merlot blended beneath the Cabernet's backbone. Medium-bodied gem with good concentration finishing long and warm, with lingering impressions of cocoa and dried fig.
94 Points
A full-throttle, blackberry-driven red, laden with chalky minerality and layered with robust tannins. Violet scents mingle with fig and plum fruit in a medium- to full-bodied expression that hits all the right chords, delivering a pleasing one-two punch to the senses.
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