Floral, blueberry, raspberry, and sweet currant aromas jump from the glass of the firmer, more structured 2005 Pinot Noir Ashley’s. More austere and tannic than the Rio Vista, it will benefit from 1-2 years of bottle age, and should keep for 10-15 years. Tel. (805) 735-9184; Fax (805) 735-9185

The 2004 Pinot Noir Ashley’s Vineyard (a Fess Parker site planted with Dijon Clones 114 and 115 on sandy/loamy soil) exhibits a deeper ruby hue than the Rio Vista along with sweet blueberry, cherry, floral, and forest floor aromas and flavors. With medium to full body, substantial flavor authority and intensity, yet a delicate style, this beauty can be enjoyed over the next 5-8 years. Tel. (805) 735-9184

The 2003 Pinot Noir Ashley’s Vineyard’s undistinguished medium ruby/garnet-tinged color is accompanied by a projected, intensely spicy (allspice), gamy nose with sweet strawberry and cherry notes, broad, round flavors, good acidity, and moderate tannin. This is as close to a top Gevrey-Chambertin premier cru as one is likely to find in California. It should drink well for 5-6 years. Tel. (805) 452-5609

The 2002 Pinot Noir Ashley’s Vineyard’s dark medium ruby color is followed by a distinctive nose of dried herbs, forest floor, bay leaves, lavender, and sweet and sour cherries. This broad, lushly textured Pinot explodes on the finish with meat, dried herbs, and spice box. A more generous as well as longer effort than the Rozak Ranch, it should be consumed over the next 5-7 years. One can’t say enough about this young team that is doing such spectacular work in Santa Rita Hills’ cool climate vineyards. Tel. (805) 452-5609