September 16, 2022 - Retail $65. Under cork. Over a dozen years ago, I visited the Willamette Valley for the first time. Tucked neatly under my arm was a book by John Winthrop Haeger that chronicled the important wineries of the region and those that were a "must-visit." Among those listed in Mr. Haeger's "required reading" was none other than Ayres--a tiny outpost in the Ribbon Ridge appellation, which, at least at the time, was selling their wares out of the garage just below the winery. Whoa. Now? Several years beyond the vintage? What a performance: great fruit, zingy tartness, and an off-the-charts verve factor.
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December 16, 2019 - Nose is slightly sweet and smokey. Medium dry in the mouth, smooth tannins with good firmness. Complex flavors of cherry, cranberry, wet oak with a hint of flower petals and tea on the back end.
April 22, 2018 - This is pretty lively still. Tannins are bold and the fruit is plenty bold as well. Decant, decant, decant. Medium dry, long finish. Excited to see how it evolves further in a few years.
July 29, 2015 - this bottle sat on the counter for a couple of weeks unopened. the first night opened it was nothing spectacular - a let down. the second night, the flavors were in full dance costume ... a tasty dance for sure, and very enjoyable. wish i would have opened it one night and left it until the next night
February 9, 2014 - Back for another visit. Much more mature this time: Same strawberry nose, strawberry in the mouth fading quickly towards the remnants of graham cracker flavor, finishing nicely with good earthiness. Really enjoyed this.
July 27, 2013 - i thought this wine was fabulous and really drinking well right now. it took an hour for the wine to open up but once it did ... rich, structured and just a great hearty OR PN. No wimpy wine in that bottle ... i am really looking forward to the remaining bottles. One of the better OR PN from '08 that i have had so far ...
July 14, 2013 - I felt like right now maybe this wine is just starting a decline, but still drinking nicely. Could also be in a bit of a "dumb" phase.
March 12, 2013 - I'm not sure I'm enjoying this more because I opened it as a dedication to my late friend Bob Wood or not, but I am very much enjoying this Oregon Pinot Noir. The uniqueness of Oregon fruit is evident, but I like that this is a bit more substantive in mouthfeel, much like Belle Pente Murto. Darker in color than I would have expected, but remarkably light on the edges - practically clear. Fantastic fruit on the palate, building to the finish, which I very much enjoy. Cheers, Bob - this truly is 'swill' in the best sense of the word...
November 4, 2011 - corked
January 9, 2011 - Decanting Regime:
Popped and poured.
Nose:
Reticent nose which opens over time to reveal bubble gum, red and strawberry fruit and a little spice.
Taste:
Strawberry and light blackberry overtones which are still developing in bottle but leaves you wanting for more of something. Straightforward and pleasant but lacks the mid-palate to let you enjoy the one true asset which this wine is trying to sell to you- fruit. The acidity is a welcome participant to the party that keep this wine from falling flat.
Overall:
A balanced wine that is a little young with decent fruit but a short finish. This wine delivers for what it is but nothing more- a decent village wine that is true to Willamette Valley. Some upside and best from 2013.