Aston 2019 Pinot Noir X Estate, Sonoma Coast 95 Points

Wine Spectator 95 Points: “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.:

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: “My favorite of the trio, the 2019 Pinot Noir X Label has slightly more purity and finesse in its aromas and flavors as well as a medium-bodied, silky style on the palate. Lots of mulled red and blue fruits, peppery herbs, forest floor, and spicy nuances make up the bouquet, and it’s beautifully pure, layered, and seamless on the palate. This is another complex, singular wine from this estate that can be enjoyed any time over the coming decade.”

Tasting Notes: “Stunningly rich and complex with voluminous fruit aromas and flavors, tremendous body, and silky mouthfeel, this wine is the epitome of New World Pinot Noir. Handcrafted from grapes grown on our prime site in the heart of California’s “True” Sonoma Coast, the 2018 Aston Estate brilliantly delivers on the promise of this spectacular vineyard estate. The wine offers abundant aromas of ripe fruit including red currants, wild red berries, and black cherries. Focusing on the always-elegant Dijon clones, this Pinot Noir is fruit-driven with a soft smokiness and sweet smell of night-bloom jasmine. The creamy texture and refreshing acidity create an incredibly pleasurable mouthfeel that leads to a long and satisfying finish. Spectacularly approachable at such a young age the 2018 Aston Estate will continue to develop in the coming years.”

Thomas Rivers Brown Tasting Notes: “This wine is a feast for the senses. In the glass, the wine displays a red-purple hue. Vivid aromas emerge from the glass in concert, with notes of star anise, moss, dark bramble fruit, and cedar bark. The sleek palate is marked by a mélange of structure-focused earthy notes and spice-dusted pomegranate reduction, black licorice, and orange oil. Possessing incredible depth, structural integrity, fruit character and bright acidity, this wine will evolve over time in the glass, in a decanter, or in the cellar for years to come.”