2011 Ayres Pinot Noir, Estate, Pioneer

93 points

Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley, 300 cs. $44

Ayres, made by Brad McLeroy is one of my new discoveries from Oregon. The entire lineup of Pinot Noir received the coveted $V designation. Read about the entire Ayres lineup and 150+ more wines I tasted in Volume 2.2 of pdwr by subscribing at www.pdwr.co/registration

2011 PINOT NOIR PIONEER has a complex nose of forest floor, vanilla, spicy botanicals and orange liqueur with flashes of graphite. The palate is weighty, not giving much fruit expression initially. The mid-palate does express a bit more red berry, watermelon and bright acidity. This wine needs patience and will likely reward those who put away a few bottles now. Drink 2015 – 2022. www.ayresvineyard.com