Ravines Pinot Noir Finger Lakes 2016

Robert Parker

The 2016 Pinot Noir was aged for ten months in 90% used French oak and comes in at 13.2% alcohol. This was mostly sourced from 16 Falls Vineyard, with about one-fifth of the grapes from White Springs Vineyard. This is a dense, concentrated and powerful Pinot Noir that comes from a warm vintage. Despite that, it also shows good balance and some freshness to go along with the darker fruits, more black cherries than raspberries. Beautifully structured as well, this has a real tannic backbone to support the fine mid-palate depth. It should age very well—owner Morton Hallgren says he still drinks his Pinots back to the beginning (2002). This could really use a couple of years of cellaring. Let's take the aging curve in stages, but it will be interesting to see how this develops. It may yet be entitled to an uptick. And the price is very nice for this quality.

Wine Spectator

Gently mulled cherry and raspberry fruit is lined with subtle black tea and incense notes. This becomes alluring through the finish, opening steadily in the glass.

International Wine Review

Medium ruby red. Lively aromas of red cherry and plum with earth and herbal notes. Delicate on the palate but with outstanding intensity and finesse. Superb balance.