April 8, 2019 - Enjoyed with the last Oregon crab of the season (topping a Caesar - delicious!). Holding up very well, well balanced, but heading down. We’ll try last bottle in 6 months. Fruit balanced nicely with tannins.
July 27, 2017 - In the past 16 months this wine has not moved much. The nose remains bright with cherry, cola and vanilla. On the palate, a bit of Dr. Pepper frames the bright cherry and warm vanilla. The inviting smooth mouthfeel makes for an easy drinking wine, but the profile is linear without much complexity. Some sediment. 14.1% alc. With roasted salmon and a deconstructed nicoise salad. Recommended.
December 19, 2016 - Very enjoyable
March 24, 2016 - The rim is ruby red that then shades to near candy apple red at the core. The nose is full of bright cherry notes and smooth warming vanilla and oak elements. The palate tracks the nose delivering bright and prominent cherry flavors. The mouthfeel is smooth and easy with a long finish. However, the wine lacks much depth and comes off very linear. Some sediment. 14.1% alc. With broiled salmon under sun-dried tomato-olive tapenade. Recommended.
January 6, 2014 - A little bigger pinot with nice acidity. The wine opened up the next day. Typical of most Ayres. They seem to need to breath.
September 2, 2013 - Aromas of strawberries. Light body with tart strawberries, herbs, and a bit of spice. Finishes with sweet fruit and a touch of spice.
July 5, 2013 - Lovely wine. We opened this ahead of a "Pioneer Days" at the winery next weekend where they will taste a vertical of the Pioneers from '04 to '11. The '09 is in a great window right now. A tiny bit of alcohol on the nose that blows off after about an hour. Then you get forest floor and spice across the midpalate and a very fruity retronasal (that term still sounds so snooty but I like it!) Long finish for such a medium bodied wine. Now we are hoping to get some more!
May 8, 2013 - Nice wine. Pop and pour, herbs and earthy tones early, with air moves on within 20-30 min to concentrated rich red fruits. Kind of pleases earthy and fruity styles, light to medium bodied in appearance, medium to full bodied particularly for Oregon on the palate. I was pleased. Looking forward to Day 2.
July 20, 2012 - Popped, aerated and drank over 2 nights. Strawberries and white pepper on the nose. Strawberries, clove and some earthiness on the palate. Smooth on the palate, finishes well.
May 26, 2012 - Steve, Jana and Mark at our house for dinner.