Aston Estate Pinot Noir 2018

Aston Estate Pinot Noir 2018 is a dark, richly textured Sonoma County Pinot Noir that shows Thomas Rivers Brown’s remarkable ability to bring depth and precision to the grape. Made entirely from Dijon clone fruit and grown in the cool Annapolis region near the Pacific Coast, it offers a more powerful style than many Pinot Noirs, while still keeping the elegance that defines great California Pinot. Founded in 2001, Aston Estate reflects the partnership and long-standing collaboration between Brown and Fred Schrader, and today stands as a true personal project for Brown.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Pinot Noir shows a deep, almost opaque color for the variety. The nose is intensely aromatic, with layers of blackberry, dark cherry, red currant, blood orange, bay leaf, and star anise, all lifted by a sense of cool-climate freshness. The palate is lush and full-bodied, with ripe dark fruit at the core and a lively line of acidity that keeps everything focused and elegant. There’s a satisfying depth and weight here, but also a polished, seamless balance. While it is already highly appealing now, the structure suggests it will continue to develop beautifully over the next several years.

Production
The grapes come from Aston Estate’s own vineyard in the Annapolis area of Sonoma County, a coastal site strongly influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean. This cool terroir helps preserve freshness and aromatic complexity, while the use of Dijon clone Pinot Noir adds concentration and a more powerful fruit profile. Harvesting is done with quality in mind, and Thomas Rivers Brown’s hands-on winemaking approach aims to preserve purity, texture, and site expression through careful vinification.

Food & Serving
This is a versatile but substantial Pinot Noir that pairs especially well with duck breast, roast chicken, grilled salmon, pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes, or earthy vegetarian plates. Serve it slightly cool, ideally around 15–17°C, to bring out both the fruit and the wine’s freshness. Decanting is not essential, but 20–30 minutes of air can help open the aromas, especially in its youth.

Producer
Aston Estate was established in 2001 by Thomas Rivers Brown and Fred Schrader, building on an already successful professional relationship through Schrader. Brown, one of California’s most respected winemakers, later became the sole owner of Aston Estate, making it a deeply personal expression of his vision for Pinot Noir. The estate has earned attention for its bold yet refined style and for showing how beautifully Sonoma’s cooler coastal vineyards can translate into premium Pinot Noir.

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