Astonishingly complex and expansive whirls of dark cherry, black raspberry, chocolate covered strawberry, and blueberry preserves highlight a magnificently expressive yet weightless display bursting with hauntingly perfumed notes of lavender, incense, and potpourri. Suggestions of mossy tree bark, forest floor, and black truffle proudly announce gorgeous organic leanings that seamlessly intersect with a range of exotic spices including anise, coriander, and cumin. Subtle hints of light roast coffee and salted caramel contribute understated bits of secondary and tertiary decadence while earthy impressions of loamy soil and saline minerality provide textbook reflections of terroir. Captivatingly lifted and ethereal on the nose while coming across as soft and smooth yet surprisingly deep and concentrated on the palate; exhibiting an incredibly complex and multidimensional presentation with layer after layer of seriously intriguing flavors. Medium bodied with moderate tannin supported by elevated acidity. This 2014 "Pioneer" Ribbon Ridge Estate Pinot Noir by Ayres Vineyard is a regal and riveting red from the Willamette Valley. 

While the 2013 vintage in Oregon was marred by challenging conditions brought on by weeks of rain during harvest, 2014 gifted growers with a near-perfect season which allowed for the creation of especially complex and age-worthy wine. This bottling, crafted by Ayres Vineyard using Pinot Noir grown at their estate vineyard in Ribbon Ridge, brilliantly showcases how wine from a great vintage can age and develop with time. This leaps from the glass with expressive yet delicate waves of dark fruits enhanced by lifted floral tones, layered spices, pleasant earthiness, and gorgeous tertiary organic notes. Although showing wonderful development today it is still surprisingly energetic and youthful, and those lucky enough to have some in their cellar should be in no rush to drink their bottles. Wow.