2017 West Ridge Estate Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
More lightly hued, with a translucent ruby color, the 2017 Pinot Noir West Ridge Estate spent 16 months in oak (although I have no idea how much new or used). Beautiful Burgundian notes of spiced red fruits, flowers, sappy herbs, bouquet garni, and smoked earth all emerge from the glass, and this medium-bodied beauty offers a seamless texture, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's a whopping 12% alcohol yet packs terrific intensity, depth, and length. It's a beautiful wine.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Pinot Noir Estate West Ridge has good initial energy and brightness, but on the palate it is short, washed out and lacking in depth as well as complexity. The West Ridge feels very strongly marked by heat in its candied profile and light structure. There is not much anyone could have done about that. Very light floral and spice notes appear, but ultimately 2017 is a very challenging vintage for this wine.
Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir West Ridge is softly scented of fresh strawberries and raspberries, Earl Grey tea leaves, forest floor and woodsmoke with notions of dried lavender and amaro. Light to medium-bodied, it gives restrained, earthy fruit in the mouth, with a soft frame of grainy tannins and good freshness to lift the finish. 510 cases produced.
Thereâs a wealth of fresh, brambly red cherries and berries here with faint, grassy and forest woody notes, too. This is strikingly pure and vibrant pinot. The palate has a succulent, lithe, juicy and seductively fine feel with such pristine red cherries, delivered in an enlivened, focused mode. Fresh and powerful Pinot at just 12% abv. Drink or hold.