94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
92 Points - Wine Spectator
91 Points - Vinous
90 Points - Wine & Spirits
An elegant red, featuring fine-grained red fruit flavors that are filled with lithe minerality and spiciness. Crunchy adidity ties all the elements together. Finishes with touches of cocoa powder. ~ Wine Spectator
The 2017 Pinot Noir Older Barrels is a selection from Ashley's done in all neutral oak, which, not surprisingly, brings out a decidedly understated and gracious expression of the Sta. Rita hills. Floral and spiced notes are nicely lifted over a core of sweet Pinot fruit. ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous
With its forward strawberry fruit and cinnamon-stick oak spice, this wine is irresistibly Californian in its sunny, fruit-forward disposition. It's simple and crowd-pleasing, for a pork loin dinner. ~ Wine & Spirits
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (Clones Pommard, 667, 777, 115 & 114)
Vineyard Source: 100% Ashley's Vineyard (Blocks W, 4A & 1)
Harvest Dates: 9/6/17 - 9/15/17
Aging: 17 months in 100% neutral 4-year old & older French oak barrels
Cooperage: Ermitage, Seguin Moreau, Sirugue, Meyrieux, Bel Air
Harvest Brix: 23.3 - 26.2
Acid: 0.626 g/100mL
pH: 3.56
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 301 cases
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. Generously oaked, with crushed blackberry, baked plums, baking spices, and Turkish fig. A supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, prune, with anise and light spice on the finish.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers Chardonnay.
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