Earthy strawberry, autumn forest floor, dried dark cherry. Tart cranberry, morel mushroom, dehydrated orange peel. Discernibly aged yet highly aromatic wafts of crushed black raspberry, licorice, and pomegranate husk lead a captivatingly delicate yet expressive attack lovingly interlaced with mature forest tones of dried pine needle, fallen leaves, and foraged truffle. Well-developed notes of dried rose petal, lavender, and potpourri gently materialize to bolster ambrosial fragrance while hints of coriander seed, anise, and Indian spices impart intricate layers of lifted complexity. Subtle suggestions of worn leather and wet cellar round out the display with charming tertiary flair that does not detract from the perfectly pure and deliciously tart fruit. Incredibly pretty yet still cerebral on the nose with a palate that is deep yet wonderfully weightless; exhibiting flawless balance, typicity, and expression of terroir within a presentation that is just now hitting its drinking peak. Medium in body with soft resolving tannin carried by streaks of bright acidity. This 2013 "Lewis Rogers Lane" Estate Pinot Noir by Ayers Vineyard & Winery is a brilliantly aged and remarkably classic red from Ribbon Ridge.

Though Willamette Valley Pinot Noir can be wonderfully generous and approachable in its youth, the best examples of these legendary wines only blossom to their fullest potential after extended cellar aging. This bottling, crafted by Ayres Vineyard & Winery using Pinot Noir sourced from their estate vineyard in Ribbon Ridge, beautifully showcases the complex and unquestionably Burgundian character that properly aged Oregon Pinot can achieve. This wine effortlessly and elegantly radiates a range of beautifully developing red and black fruits enhanced by intriguingly earthy forest tones, dried flowers, lifted spice, and pleasant tertiary charm. While thoroughly delicate and restrained this wine possesses incredible layers of complexity that unfold with each passing moment, and it deserves to be sipped, savored, and contemplated without distractions. Wow.