When the hypothetical becomes real, amazing wine happens. If you asked us (hypothetically) which 3 Eola-Amity Hills vineyards we'd most want to see in a blend, you'd hear Temperance Hill, Seven Springs, and Sojourner. Well looky here, folks: 2017 Cuvee Ruth is exactly that and it is REAL! The best showing of Cuvee Ruth yet (easily), opening with Seven Springs and Sojourner aromas of mixed floral notes and red/purple fruit perfume, then displaying a multi-spectrum deliciousness finishing with the distinct and lovely Temperance Hill savoriness. Do not wait for the respective single vineyard bottlings from Walter Scott -- grab this exceptional cuvee and begin loving it pronto. - Marcus
Each year we blend this very special wine to reflect the precision and tension of grapes from the Eola-Amity Hills, while also showing the character of the individual vintage. With the 2017 Cuvée Ruth, we chose a selection of barrels from some of our best vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills to make up this Pinot Noir, including Seven Springs, Sojourner, and Temperance Hill.
2017 Cuvée Ruth has both red and black fruit notes layered with flowers, mineral depth and the power that the individual sites famously achieve, giving this wine an overall elegance and polish evoked by the blending of the sites. These iconic vineyards are a blend of multiple clones of Pinot Noir and some of our oldest vines. The wine was fermented with ambient yeasts and aged for 10 months in French oak barrels. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Strawberry and dark cherries shine in this young cuveé, adding a bass note fresh blackberries. The fruit marries with the acidity producing a bottled energy and making for an exciting peek at the 2016 vintage. Welcoming aromas of dried tobacco leaf, cinnamon, and evergreen forests pulled me back to the glass again and again. - the winery
2015 vintage notes
92 points Wine Spectator: "Lithe, with firm tannins underlying cherry and savory flavors on a medium-weight frame, expanding on the finish and lingering with gentle insistence. Best from 2018 through 2023."
2014 vintage notes
93 points Wine Spectator: "Bright and lively, offering a cascade of pretty strawberry, raspberry, rose petal and white pepper flavors that come together harmoniously against powdery tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2024."
2013 vintage notes
So attractive, from start to finish. Cola spice, black raspberry and cherry, a pinch of licorice. Superb concentration and density balanced by freshness, with ultra fine tannins lingering on the finish. Only 175 cases made.
This reserve cuvee honors the parents of winery partner Sue Steinman.