Aromatic dark cherry, wild mushroom, ripe strawberry. Fresh cranberry, damp undergrowth, tart black raspberry. Fragrant allspice and shaved cedar, new rust and gamy animale. Dark and concentrated yet lean and high toned fruit broods on the bouquet, showcasing baked currant, pomegranate reduction, and red apple skin above a hint of black licorice. Woodsy forest tones appear en mass led by mossy bark and fallen redwood plus just a whiff of mild florals. Nutmeg, cardamom, white pepper, and iron provide an interesting twang of spice and soil before a beautiful note of pelt awakens. Terroir expressive with terrific weightless density, boasting medium plus tannin and acidity within a medium bodied frame. This 2017 "Pioneer" Estate Pinot Noir by Ayres Vineyard & Winery is a gorgeous single-clone Pinot from the Willamette Valley's Ribbon Ridge.

Ribbon Ridge is one of Oregon's smallest and most unique winegrowing appellations. While completely contained within the larger Chehalem Mountains, Ribbon Ridge is literally made up of a series of isolated ridges that are distinct from the surrounding terrain. Soils in this appellation are composed nearly completely of marine sediment, which is a stark contrast to the heavily volcanic earth that surrounds these ridges on all sides. This bottling, crafted by Ayres Vineyard & Winery using 100% Clone 667 Pinot Noir from their estate vineyard in Ribbon Ridge, provides a direct look into the strengths of this region. It is terrifically complex, elegant, and structured, showing both remarkable nuance and density. While quite delicious now this wine would be a perfect candidate for 10+ years of cellar aging, as time should mellow the fruit concentration while allowing more gorgeous tertiary notes to shine. This is some seriously impressive and classic Willamette Valley Pinot.