Aston Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2012

Ron R

Outstanding example of Cali Pinot. Even more so since this is 2012 vintage. Overripe cherries and coffee notes explode on the nose. The palate displays crunchy black fruits along with syrop de cassis. Superb grainy tannins combine with bright acidity. A reference point in Sonoma/Cali. Here are my top 2023 tastings by type. Let me know what your favorites are… 2023 Wines of my Year Sauvignon Blanc - Modus Operandi (2021) - $45 Chablis - Domaine Genot-Boulanger Puligny Montrachet (2020) - $85 Chardonnay - Kongsgaard (2020) - $120 Pinot - Aston Estate (2012) - $70 Cabernet - Sinegal (2019) - $75 & Cabernet - Lewelling (2019) - $59

Shay A

Upon opening, I was shocked at how much herbal funk there was, probably because I expected a ton of fruit to be evident. After 30mins, the funk faded and the fruit become more pronounced but certainly not overdone/extracted. Very pretty aromatics of mostly birch, raspberries, black cherries, and currant. The acidity was mellow at first but hit stride two hours in…vibrant, with cranberry, peppercorn crusted rhubarb, hint of cola and a great snap on the finish. Didn’t find any of that RM “orange peel” type note. A bit of a darker expression, which seems to be in a very good drinking window at the moment.

Ron R

We love this for its gnarly presentation. Still fruit forward, presenting blueberries and blackberries. Big tannins intertwine with bright acidity and sweetness. A reference point for Cali pinot in our minds. No signs of aging.

Ron R

This pinot continues to grow on us. Pleasant green notes combine with redwood and maraschino cherries. Presents a regal, gnarly texture on the palate, combined with a sexy sweetness. This is without doubt our pinot find over the last 12 months.

Ron R

Big, but not brash. Untypical of pinot, but that’s what we enjoyed about this. Ripe nose filled with smoke, charcoal and dense stone fruits. Extracted palate is almost flamboyant. Mid-palate displays sweet herbs and complex wood treatment. Finishes with cloves, and oddly, lavender. We love idiosyncratic juice like this.

Patrick Derdeyn

This thing is a monster that screams California. Very well made in a fruit forward style that makes no apologies.

Evan Brody

Not your typical Pinot but delish

Lamar Hannah

This is a big ripe Pinot I love it!

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

It's big with ripe black cherries, overripe blackberries, black raspberries, stewed strawberries, cherry preserves, raspberry & black cherry cola, light spice; nutmeg, light clove, baking spices, light touch of herbs, bramble, soft rich earth, soft volcanic minerals, bracey acidity with a round, full, big fruit finish. It is a touch on the sweet side but perhaps time lessens it.