Vineyard: Adastra

Adastra
OwnerChris Thorpe
AppellationCarneros
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2013 Talisman Adastra Vineyard Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 316 cases, $56. Released October 1, 2016. This vineyard, planted in 1994 in clay loam soils, is CCOF organically certified and farmed by Chris Thorpe and Edwin Richards. Clones include 113, 115, 777, Swan, Pommard, Wädenswil 2A and suitcase selections. Aged in French oak barrels, 62% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with heady scents of blueberry, cherry, cola and subtle oak. An array of dark red and blue fruits are offered in a mid weight styled wine, with a muscular tannic backbone but balancing acidity. The oak treatment peaks on the finish that reveals a bit of alcoholic warmth. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, there was better oak and tannin integration, more polish, but still a hint of heat on the finish. Score: 89-90. Reviewed October 19, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Talisman Adastra Vineyard “Méthode Valise” Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 20 cases, $125. Released October 1, 2016. One barrel from a suitcase selection. CCOF certified organic grapes planted in 1994. 100% whole cluster, feral yeast fermentation, aged in a new French oak barrel. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose offering only oak spice aromas without fruit. A serious, age worthy wine with a mid weight core of black cherry fruit enhanced with flavors of savory herbs and exotic whole cluster driven spices. Substantial tannins yet not indulgent, with remarkable length and intensity on the finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose was still primary, but this wine was clearly the most complex and interesting in the 2013 lineup. It will definitely benefit from several years in the cellar. Score: 93-94. Reviewed October 19, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Talisman Adastra Vineyard Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 189 cases, $56. Release April 2015. From a certified organic vineyard tended by Chris Thorpe and son-in-law Edwin Richards. Clones are 2A, 113, Pommard and Swan selection. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This wine is showing a pretty good whack of oak that should integrate by the time it is released in the spring. The aromas and mid weight flavors of ripe, dark cherry and raspberry show promise, and are enhanced by nuances of spice, dark chocolate and anise. The charge of fruit often experienced from this vineyard is more modest in this vintage, but the wine has more charm than usual. Score: 90. Reviewed October 21, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Talisman Adastra Vineyard Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 243 cases, $56. Release April 2014. An organically farmed and certified vineyard tended by Chris Thorpe and his son-in-law Edwin Richards. Clones are Wädenswil, Swan, 113 and Pommard. · The nose brings you to attention with deeply fragrant notes of Hoison sauce, black grapes, blackberries and cardamom spice. Very softly textured, perfectly composed with a judicious use of oak. Typical Los Carneros flavors of darker berries, black plum, mushroom and damp soil pervade. The sweet, perfectly ripened fruit attack makes an impression on the front of the palate, expands its reach across the mid palate like a silk sheet, and finishes with a flourish. A transcendent, “Oh My God” wine. Score: 95. Reviewed March 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Talisman Adastra Vineyard Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 266 cases, $50. This vineyard is organically farmed by Chris Thorpe and his son-in-law Edwin Richards. Clones are Wädenswil, Dijon 113 and Pommard. · Moderately dark in color. Appealing aromas of blackberries, boysenberries and exotic woods. Delicious core of black plum and blackberry fruit that cloaks the firm structure producing a sleek mouth feel and impressive finishing strength. A man’s wine that is yet condescending and soft on the palate. Still alluring the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. I wanted to hug this wine. Reviewed April 4, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »