2016 L'Ambroisie Pinot Noir
In 2005 we made our first Pinot Noir from the family vineyard (only 143 cases produced, that’s it!); Located in a unique site we believed would enable us to craft wines with a style that might satisfy our infatuation for the great Burgundies that we love. In 2009, from the same site, we challenged ourselves to make our Pinot Noirs from single vineyard, single clone, and allocate a single cooperage (barrel maker) from France to deliver uncompromised focus to each wine. The MonoClone® was born and we registered the trademark to protect our beliefs.
Having said that, we did not become stubborn about the MonoClone or infatuated by the idea, the wines had to deliver. If they did not, we would have gone back to blending the clones. Our MonoClone focus has produced compelling wines, and so here we are, almost a decade later enjoying unique, compelling wines – all so different but sharing the same commitment to elegance, length, and complexity. Vive la différence!
L’AMBROISIE 2016…Richebourg West
If L’Espérance is the most feminine, ethereal Pinot Noir that we produce, L’Ambroisie is the most masculine and enigmatic. Born from a legendary clone of great pedigree and situated on an amazing site in the middle of giant redwood trees. The wine density and concentration as well as its origins has created many debates and conversations around the tables of our friends. The 2016 L’Ambroisie possesses all of the great qualities and is reminiscent of the great wines around Vosnes-Romanée.
2016 L’AMBROISIE Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Tasting Notes
Le Regard / The Look
Amethyst and Ruby Robe, deeper than the 2015, and pulpier in the glass edges, denoting structure and concentration from the 100% Whole Cluster press.
Le Nez / The Nose
The nose is sumptuous and soaring of violets, lavender, sous bois, umami, and ripe red fruits. After a few swirls, exotic spices of cardamon, coriander, and dried orange zests are interlaced with raspberry and cassis offering those classic Vosne Romanée aromas.
Degustation / The Taste
The front palate is resplendently dramatic, with a fanfare of sweet raspberry coulis, caramelized dark cherry, bilberry, pine needles, and graphite. After aeration, the mid-palate is plush, almost spicy, with peppery red plum compote, mandarin oil, tobacco, and rose petals. The rippling tannins and gorgeous freshness provide the structure that frames this imperious MonoClone. It displays impeccable balance, class, concentration, and sublime finesse. The finish is dazzlingly long, exotic, and dry, created by the whole cluster press.
A Vosne Romanée classic in the West.
