Just when we thought maybe...maybe Walter Scott’s sales would cool off a bit, we watched the 2019s race out the door. Perhaps the best example is this wine: the winery sold three-quarters of the production before it was officially released! We had to grab a chunk for the Reserve Club. Of course the Walter Scott single vineyard wines are lovely but in Cuvee Ruth, we get to see several of our preferred vineyards expertly blended. The ‘19 vintage shows a cooler expression of Walter Scott Pinot, less overtly fruit-focused, more aromatic and savory. Decant or open early if you’re drinking it soon, or do as we do: enjoy a bottle over several days.
From team Walter Scott: Each year we blend this very special wine to reflect the precision and tension of Pinot Noir from the Eola-Amity Hills, while also showing the character of the individual vintage. With the 2019 Cuvée Ruth, we chose a selection of barrels from some of our best vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills to make up this wine, including Seven Springs, Sojeau, Temperance Hill and X Novo.
The 2019 Cuvée Ruth brings elegance to the forefront, showing generous red fruit notes and layered with floral and mineral depth which balance the power that the individual sites famously achieve, giving this wine an overall polish evoked by blending. These iconic vineyards are a blend of multiple clones of Pinot Noir and some of our oldest vines, allowing the wine to demonstrate a refined purity associated with classic Eola-Amity Hills.
2018 vintage notes
This is Eola-Amity Hills: the fruit profile, the savory spice threads, the way it makes you salivate. The push-pull of all its elements creates a harmonious energy. Too woo-woo for you? Then know you're drinking the chosen blend of Seven Springs, Sojourner, X Novo, and winery neighbor Lewman from what will very soon be known as the awesome 2018 vintage. - Marcus
Winery notes: Each year we blend this very special wine to reflect the precision and tension of Pinot Noir from the Eola-Amity Hills, while also showing the character of the individual vintage. With the 2018 Cuvée Ruth, we chose a selection of barrels from some of our best vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills to make up this wine, including Seven Springs, Sojourner, Lewman, and making its Walter Scott debut, X Novo Vineyard Pinot Noir
2018 Cuvée Ruth brings elegance to the forefront, showing generous red fruit notes and layered with floral and mineral depth which balance the power that the individual sites famously achieve, giving this wine an overall 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, allowing the wine to demonstrate a refined purity associated with classic Eola-Amity Hills.
2017 vintage notes
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.
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.