Earthy raspberry, forest floor, muddled dark cherry. Cranberry preserves, black olive, fresh fig. A wonderfully unique and intriguing procession of wild blackberry, strawberry, and blood orange highlights a deeply aromatic and layered display brimming with interesting organic notes of Morel mushroom, moss, and fallen leaves. Hints of clove, anise, and curry reveal a range of exotically spiced underpinnings that mingle with perfumed floral tones of dried rose and potpourri. Suggestions of compost, damp soil, and seaweed contribute pleasantly funky earthy qualities which help to shape a profile that is decidedly old world in style despite possessing modern new world ripeness. Impressively soft, juicy, and approachable on the palate while remaining extremely deep and characterful throughout; exhibiting a well balanced and fascinating presentation that is playfully packed with plenty of interesting tertiary flavors. Medium bodied with moderate tannin backed by fresh acidity. This 2016 "Lambda" Ampelos Vineyard Pinot Noir by Ampelos Cellars is a complex and captivating natural red from Santa Barbara's Santa Rita Hills.

Although the latest trends in natural wine often favor wines that are extremely different and unconventional in a myriad of ways, natural wine can and should still accurately reflect the distinct character of the grape varieties and terroir it has been shaped from. This bottling, crafted by Ampelos Cellars using Pinot Noir sourced from their biodynamic estate vineyard the Santa Rita Hills, proves that great natural wine can beautifully display the unique charms of its grape and place of origin. This generously spills a lifted and highly aromatic profile of red and black fruits complicated by dried flowers, intriguing spices, mushroomy organic tones, and soil notes. At 6 years of age it is currently showing excellent development and is ready for immediate enjoyment, yet should still hold well in the cellar for at least another 3-4 years. Excellent.