WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
Named for the wind that defines the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, the Æolian Pinot Noir presents both purity and power; aromas of red cherry, rhubarb, and raspberry, tremendous tension through the mid palate, and delicate fine grain tannins through the finish.
TASTING NOTES:
The Aeolian Pinot Noir is savoury and elegant. Aromatics of bright strawberries, raspberry leaf and freshly turned soil are lifted by notes of pine bough and wild mint. The palate is gorgeously spiced as delicate flavours of clove, spiced orange peel and black tea come to the fore and enhance rich ripe strawberries and wild herbs. Energy, tension and depth all make themselves known. There's ample complexity and beautifully fine tannins that show this wine's ageability and grace.
- Decanter, 95 pts.
The 2022 Pinot Noir AEolian has intense aromas of roasted cranberries, Cara Cara oranges and raspberries with continually blossoming accents of forest floor, mixed tea leaves and spice. Though it's light-bodied with finely astringent tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity, the palate offers highly concentrated, nuanced flavors and a very long, ultra spicy finish.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 pts.
The 2022 Pinot Noir Aeolian is darkly floral, as a mix of dried violets, lavender and incense forms an enticing bouquet. This is soothingly round and supple, showing a lick of salty minerality up front that perfectly offsets its ripe wild berry fruits. The 2022 leaves the palate stained in primary concentration, with a bitter blackberry tinge and edgy tannins that make for a lovely punctuation to the experience. The Aeolian hails from vines planted in 2001 at 700 feet in the higher elevations of Bethel Heights.
- Vinous, 94 pts.
A vivid, blue-fruited pinot with violet, lavender and dried citrus peel character. Juicy and blooming on the palate, with some chalkiness to its tannins and moderate weight. Flavorful and refreshing with a touch of crispy minerality.
- James Suckling, 93 pts.
Beam this Aeolian life form up before it is all gone. The wine’s aromas of cherry icing and almonds suggest a baked good, while the wet slate note suggests a patio party. Bold tannins support tart pie-cherry and black-tea flavors, along with a trace of horehound.
- Wine Enthusiast, 93 pts.
Deeply structured yet generous at the core, with plump raspberry fruit accented by sassafras, green tea and dusky spice notes. Drink now through 2032. 995 cases made.
- Wine Spectator, 92 pts.
