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
91 Points, Wine Spectator
This is a big wine with luxurious texture. Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Loaded with old-vine character in every sip. Combining 42% Carignane, 38% Mourvèdre and 20% Zinfandel, from vines over 130 years in age. Dark red in color with black cherry, cassis, pomegranate, plum, cocoa, and highlights of cranberry, black pepper, tar and earth. Velvety mouthfeel, great structure with black cherry, pomegranate, chocolate, tar and peppery spice. Satisfies the palate with a long spicy fruit driven finish.
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