2007 Ampelos Pinot Noir Lambda Sta Rita Hills
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
Wine Rating: 92
Uncorked: 2011.06.24 Dinner at home – served with grilled grass-fed tri-tip, grilled artichoke
The wine is clean and vibrant, almost ascetic or austere. It’s a “pure” tasting Pinot Noir that reflects the wine making intentions of Peter and Rebecca Work. Gorgeous fruit and balanced acidity, subtle oak and hints of SRH terroir. While the wine is a medium-bodied Pinot, it went perfectly with food off the Big Green Egg, particularly the grilled artichokes. A lovely wine and a valuable study in the essence of Pinot Noir.
I visited Rebecca Work at Ampelos again a week and a half ago. She and her husband Peter inspire a fresh look and taste of old world wines made in a sustainable, biodynamic, and organic manner. Eschewing more popular or market-friendly (i.e. consumer- and market-oriented or “grocery store”) styles of viticulture and wine making, they have made a commitment to gentle technique that does no harm to the wine, the vine, or the world in which we live. The respect they demonstrate to each environment — the vineyard, the winery, the bottle, as well as the earth — is captured in the wine itself. The wine compels reflection and respect in return. But it’s not just an expression or an experiment — this is terrific wine made by people whose mission and vision I am honored to support.
Peter and Rebecca were both very helpful in my doctoral research. I raise my glass this evening in thanks and with great respect for the wine making passions at Ampelos!
$35.00 / $29.75 (club price) from the Ampelos Filos Wine Club
Ampelos Cellars and Vineyard Website
