Review:
As with our first vintage with the Armstrong Vineyard (owned and overseen by Doug and Michele Ackerman), the 2011 expression of this extraordinary site draws upon the Pommard and 777 blocks of the vineyard, and again uses a sizable percentage of whole cluster fermented fruit (29%) to highlight the unique qualities of the sedimentary soils here in the Ribbon Ridge. The long cool growing season in 2011 teased out additional layers and balance, producing a wine with both finesse and power (where 2010 was largely about power). - the winery
2010 Vintage Tasting Notes
2010 Tanzer - 92 points - Vivid red. A wild, intensely perfumed bouquet evokes red berries, incense and potpourri, with strong spice and cola nuances building with air. The juicy, precise palate offers vibrant raspberry and cherry flavors, along with suggestions of rose pastille and spicecake. Shows the finesse of the vintage to full effect, finishing sweet, sappy and lucid. - J.R.
This big, broad shouldered wine displays the elegance you can expect from Seven of Hearts Wines.
The small Armstrong Vineyard is lovingly tended by owners Doug & Michelle Ackerman in the Ribbon Ridge region.
Wine Press Northwest (April 2012) - "Excellent. At just 3,350 acres in size, Ribbon Ridge is the smallest American Viticultural Area in the Pacific Northwest. Like Washington's Red Mountain (4,040 acres), it is one of Oregon's most important and fascinating grape-growing areas. Ribbon Ridge is a sub-appellation of the Chehalem Mountains and is not far away from the Dundee Hills or Yamhill-Carlton, and the grapes tend to produce wines that are dark and complex. That's certainly the case with this vineyard designated Pinot noir, which opens with attractive aromas of black pepper, mint tea, black cherries and dark chocolate. On the palate is unveils flavors of black olives, black licorice, black cherries, cocoa powder and blackberries. It's all backed with bright acidity and firm tannins."