April 26, 2024 - PnP. Needs about 30-45 minutes to open. Dark cherry, some blood orange, loam and earth underneath the fruit. Medium body, medium acidity (leaning medium+), still some moderate tannins in the finish. Darker fruit, a lot of intensity and depth. Shows that deeper, richer Ribbon Ridge character. Seems like this is really just coming into its plateau of maturity and should hold for at least another five years. I think the AVA and single vineyard wines by Ayres are under appreciated. This was last bottle of the 2015, but I'm glad I've got some more recent vintages of this bottling. This bottle makes me think this should be on my list of producers I buy every vintage.
April 1, 2022 - Lots of interest in this Ribbon Ridge Pinot. Notes of citrus rind, orange blossom, wet slate, and darker berries. A fun drinking experience that went quickly with the surf and turf tacos on the patio last night.
August 15, 2021 - A crowd pleasing champ last night especially with the yellowtail sashimi.
February 8, 2021 - Took awhile to open up. Initially dense and one-dimensional but mellowed a bit to reveal some distinct flavors the next evening.
September 27, 2019 - This wine has definitely progressed and is drinking pretty darn well now. Really delightful at this early stage.
December 2, 2018 - Probably should have waited but I really wanted to try a bottle tonight with a cedar plank salmon on the Traeger. Double decanted and gave it 20 minutes before diving into a glass. Really began to open up and shine at about an hour at which time it was gone. With air I really appreciated it as did the wife. We will wait a while before opening another bottle but it’s definitely beautiful stuff
November 24, 2018 - Took to a tasting comparing another Willamette Valley Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir. I still like the Aramenta Cellars Pinot better. Wine was light to medium body, fruit forward (red cherries) some earthy aromas. Reaffirms my preference for Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noirs.
September 26, 2018 - Cherry up front. Nice balance. Should mellow nicely over a few years.
August 20, 2018 - Very spicy and a little jammy.
January 29, 2018 - Good cherry on the nose and tongue. Being so young, it needs time to settle and mellow.