Happy Harvest from our Ribbon Ridge vineyard!  If you have read anything about Oregon’s 2008 vintage you already know that it is being touted as the vintage of the decade, if not Oregon’s finest vintage ever.  We dedicate this entire newsletter to words about these special wines, but not before we offer a few words of thanks to you, our loyal customer.  Your continued support and interest in our wines fuels our Pinot Noir passion to new levels.  Thanks for inspiring us!        

INTRODUCING OUR 2008 AYRES PINOT NOIRS:

2008 AYRES WILLAMETTE VALLEY ($24), 2006 CASES PRODUCED

Drop for drop you just won’t find a better value in a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.  This blend of estate fruit and perfectly manicured Eola Hills fruit offers pronounced bing cherry - and cheery – notes along with a desirable earthy component.  Visually this is the darkest Williamette Valley we have produced.  The aromas of rose, clove and baked cobbler will get you in the mood for a truly outstanding glass of wine!  *Our tastings of older Willamette Valley bottles prove time and time again that with a little age, the rich taste of our estate wines is highlighted.  A 2004 Willamette Valley could easily pass as 100% estate fruit.  Ditto for this 2008 in a couple of years.*

ESTATE 2008 AYRES LEWIS ROGERS LANE ($32), 251 CASES PRODUCED

Welcome to Lewis Rogers Lane, the tiny country road that borders our Ribbon Ridge vineyard.  A place where five different Pinot Noir clones enjoy warm days and cool nights – 667, 777, 115, 113, and Pommard.  If our vineyard could talk, this blend of all five clones is what it would say.  Decadence in a bottle, thank you very much!  This wine is a treat for all senses: extremely dark boysenberry & blueberry fruit, rich pastry, alongside spice and earth for good measure.  This brand new bottling is sure to be a crowd favorite.  If you were a Piper fan in the past, welcome to your new favorite wine!  

ESTATE 2008 AYRES PIONEER PINOT NOIR ($38), 188 CASES PRODUCED

Big.  Brave.  Bold.  Pioneer represents our ultimate vision of single clone(exclusively 667), estate Pinot Noir:  deep, dark, and delicious blackberry & blueberry fruit combined with a forest floor goodness that feels like home.  This is a classic Ribbon Ridge fest in a bottle - cinnamon, cardamom, dried lavender, mushroom and leather sharing space with dark and delicious – yet balanced - fruit that only an Oregon Pinot Noir can offer.  This wine could be enjoyed tonight or ten years from tonight.  We hope you enjoy each and every drop!

ESTATE 2008 AYRES İSALUD! PINOT NOIR (price TBD at auction), 5, yes five, CASES PRODUCED

Each November we have the honor of participating in İSalud!, the Oregon Pinot Noir Auction, as one of Oregon’s top 40 Pinot Noir producers.  This is an honor we take most seriously as it directly benefits the health of those who help us farm the ultimate Pinot Noir clusters.  If you are unable to attend the November 14^th gala, it doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on your chance to own one of these exclusive cases.  Visit www.saludauction.org or call 503.681.1850 to arrange for a sealed bid to be placed in your name.  This blend rendered all of us speechless.