Aston Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 Red Wine

Aston Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021

750 ml

95 pts. Wine Spectator:

"Boasts abundant zesty, energetic and bramble-laced mulberry, plum and açaí berry flavors, while hints of melted licorice, chaparral and apple wood fill in through the finish. Broad, rich and defined, with a flurry of fruit and licorice snap echoing at the very end. Distinctive. Drink now through 2034."

95 pts. Jeb Dunnuck:

"From vines planted in 2001, the 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Sonoma Coast pours a nearly opaque red, with smoky meatiness, wild herb oils, and black cherry. Full-bodied, it’s lush in its texture, with notes of pressed flowers, ripe, velvety, rounded tannins, and an opulent feel. It holds a savory note on the finish and is lightly reductive on opening, so allow it a few minutes in a decanter, but this is a potent style. Although it might not fall in the classic camp, it has a lot of charm and a lot to love. Drink 2024-2034."

Famous winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown has blessed us with a downright delicious Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir! This is one of those wines that keep your taste buds dancing! Definitely NOT a boring wine. Complex, classy, an absolute joy to drink. Any Pinot Noir fan would love this wine. - Wine Factor

FROM THE WINERY

THE ESTATE

Aston Estate is located near the remote township of Annapolis, approximately five miles and two ridge lines in from the coast-close enough to benefit from the ocean’s cooling effects, yet just outside the fog line, so days are long and temperate. The southwest facing vineyard thrives in a microclimate typified by full-sun days and moderate temperatures that are a standout in the cooler Sonoma Coast climate.

The Goldridge Loam soil is perfectly suited to Pinot Noir, and the gentle slopes and contours (10-15%) are reminiscent of the topography of the prestigious grand cru sites of Burgundy. Typically, these sites lie in the transitional “belt” between the extreme hillside plantings and the lower flatland sections where the moderate slopes provide an excellent balance of stress and support to the vines.

"In early 2021 I was offered the chance to own Aston outright. I knew immediately there was no way I could let this get away. After investing 20+ years of effort into this now mature 14 acre plot of Pinot Noir, I’m proud to announce this is part of my growing winemaking family for years to come." - Thomas Rivers Brown

THE VINTAGE

The bigger 2021 crop helped balance the early heat of the growing season allowing us to pick after the traditional Labor Day heat wave broke. Getting to these shorter, cooler days of hang time put the finishing touches on a magical Sonoma Coast vintage. Since this is a best barrel selection from the estate, that proved to be the hardest decision to make in such a great year. Plum and sandalwood scented, the first impression is of deep purple fruits framed by light violet notes. The farming, vine age and block selection has led to a more refined version here, staying very focused on its fruit core and traditional tannic framework. As it opens, the savorier elements start to come out but the wine still stays close to its fruit first nature: pomegranate, sassafras, smoke, rhubarb, incense and crushed raspberries provide a more lifted nature suggesting higher than normal acidity for this dense site. The acid and tannin play off of each other nicely creating the most intellectually interesting Aston Estate to date.

BARREL AGING: 100% French Oak, 40% New (Francois Freres & Remond)

ALCOHOL: 14.5%

TOTAL PRODUCTION: 985 Cases