Region: Sonoma Coast, California

Vintage: 2016

Composition: 100% Pinot Noir

History: Co-founded two decades earlier by industry leaders Fred Schrader, Chuck Sweeney and Thomas Rivers Brown, Aston grew from 14 acres of prime coastal vineyards near Annapolis. The winery is now wholly owned by Brown, and with the vines maturing, the quality of the wine produced is at an even higher level, and the brand is poised to reclaim its throne as one of the Sonoma Coast’s top players. Brown describes Annapolis Pinot Noir as having a wild quality, producing a more significant structured style from this Burgundian variety.

Tasting Notes:

The wine shows a purplish-red tone in the glass. The aromas suggest blackberry jam, blueberry, plum, orange pith and nutmeg. The elegant and structured palate resonates with notes of raspberry, pomegranate pulp, river rock and lavender. This wine possesses a lively energy and shows up very well today.