WITH THE 2016 VINTAGE WE WERE ABLE TO PRODUCE TWO OUTSTANDING, STYLISTICALLY DISTINCT WINES:
SYLVANUS ESTATE YAMHILL-CARLTON PINOT NOIR 2016
- Blended from Pommard, 115, 777 and Mt Eden clones.
- All oak is medium toast or lower French oak, with only 25% new barrels; this restrained oak program ensures that the oak complements, rather than overpowers, this elegant wine.
- Layered complexity, with bright notes of pie cherry and crushed violets giving way to earthy flavors of the forest floor.
- Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years.
Wine Enthusiast: 91 Points
"A ripe supple wine, more approvable at this time that its excellent companion "The Cipher". Plum and cherry fruit carries a slightly salty note. Aging in one-quarter new French oak adds a whiff of chocolate and the finishing acidity brings a lick of citrus." -P.G. Publish 3/1/2019
James Suckling: 91 Points
Some crushed roses and fresh violets on the nose here. A wealth of succulent tennis carries a fresh array of black-cherry and plum flavor into a slightly sinewy finish. Drink or hold.
The PinotFile: 93 Points
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Plenty of garrigue and forest on the nose along with black cherry aromas. Well-structured and well-endowed in a mid-weight plus style, with waves of purple and blackberry fruits. Almost numbing intensity, with a serious attack and purposeful and long finish. The wine has a Syrah-like countenance but is so well put together, it still speaks more of Pinot Noir. -PG 3/22/19
