1 | Wine | Pinot Noir, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County

"The 2011 vintage included a very warm and dry winter and spring. These conditions led to being fruitful with small clusters and small berries with flavors of dark berry, cherry, hints of floral and mineral. This is a forward approachable wine that displays the beautiful floral/mineral character typical of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir."

"Dried herbs and strawberries slowly evolve from the tantalizing mix of aromas and flavors. This wine is true Pinot Noir, bright red in color and balanced to work with many foods. The wine will age nicely over the next decade with more of the "forest floor" (mushrooms, earth, etc.) showing through. Try it with chicken or fish with Asian spices or Salmon prepared in any manner."

"The 2009 Pinot Noir Ashley's is a big super-ripe wine endowed with dark fruit, cola, sweet spices, vanilla and sweet French oak, all of which come together nicely. Ashely’s is made in a decidedly forward, flashy style and the oak (50% new barrels) is also a bit much for the wine’s structure."

"The 2009 Pinot Noir is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark cherries, spices and sweet French oak. It shows fabulous textural richness and depth, especially for an entry-level offering. This is a tasty, accessible Pinot to drink now and over the next few years."

"Vibrant magenta in color, high toned floral aromatics of gardenia, white rosehip oil mingle with touches of fresh thyme, pine nuts, eucalyptus and pie crust. Fruit components are redolent of blood orange, dried cranberry and pomegranate. The palate impression is bright and feminine with a round, complex core that leaves the mouth satiated and complete."