2017 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 2017…Vosne Romanée Les Gaudichots

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 conversation around the tables of our friends. The 2017 L’Ambroisie possesses all of the great qualities and is reminiscent of the great wines around Vosnes-Romanée.

2017 L’AMBROISIE Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

Tasting Notes 

Le Regard / The Look
Scintillating ruby density, very pure with long legs on the glass denoting a creamy texture.

Le Nez / The Nose
Gorgeous aromatic lift and energy. Perfumed bouquet of rose petals, violets, and red fruit infusion. As the wine aerates, these aromas become spiked with graphite, sous bois, and cocoa nibs. There is a definite sweetness and roundness compared to the 2015 and 2016 since this wine was pressed berry only and therefore the tannins are much softer.

Degustation / The Taste
The front palate is very complex and intellectual. Beautiful fruit palate entry, then layers of lusciousness but nothing modest and sweet; This wine is all about ripe red raspberries and red plum compote, compressed with gamy mineral tones, floral components, and earthy forest floor. The middle palate is of exquisite silky texture with a suave concentration of cassis, plums, and red cherry compote, accented with blood orange rind and a resounding saline back end. The persistent finish is seamlessly integrated and flows with great verve into micro tannins lifting the wine to a refined elegance. This is a sumptuous and sensual wine that is rarely produced in the new world, one for the ages.