93 Points Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is a deep but transparent red, with ripe aromas of red cherry, wild herbs, pine, and damp earth. The palate is ripe and saturated with fantastic lift and energy, noted with blood orange, snappy with ripe pomegranate, and offering a crunchy texture. it is a lovely wine to drink over next several years, but I like its youthful nature. Drink 2024-2034.
93 Points Wine Spectator
This pumps out tasty mulberry and black cherry fruit paste flavors, which show drive and focus as singed anise, warm earth and black tea notes come into play. Reveals late savory and bramble notes, which inject a nice hint of wild energy into the well-structured finish. Best from 2024 through 2030.
90 Points Vinous
The 2021 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is dense, plush and explosive. Dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and spice are all dialed up in this exuberant, flamboyant wine. This opulent Pinot represents a decidedly intense, fruit-driven style for the West Sonoma Coast.
Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Aston Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a blend of Aston Estate fruit, as well as fruit from two different Pinot Noir vineyards located more southerly, around the town of Occidental. The result in the glass highlights the dark, umami-rich forest floor character of the Estate fruit, interwoven with vivacious red fruit and bright acidity that is the hallmark of Occidental-area vineyards.
In the glass, the wine displays an alluring purple-red hue. Luxurious aromas emerge from the glass in waves suggesting notes of clove, violet, loam, and crushed boysenberry. The palate experience is marked by powerful, dark red fruit and a vibrant acidity that makes the wine practically dance. Notes of raspberry reduction, oolong tea, and star anise come together in concert. This is a wine that over-delivers, and is a prime example of what makes the Sonoma Coast a stand out area for producing dynamic, expressive wines.
