Ritual, Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir, Chile, 2017
Overview of the Wine
Ritual is a labor of love. It connects us to the land we farm, to healthy living soil, and to the daily rituals of artisanal winemaking. The estate is situated in the extreme eastern end of Chile’s Casablanca Valley, set against the dramatic sweeping beauty of the coastal range and heavily influenced by the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean and Humboldt Current —ideal growing conditions for cool climate wines. Following organic practices, the winemaking team uses compost to feed the soils to promote a balanced and self-regulated ecosystem, cover cropping and seeding for revitalizing the soils and sheep to help mow the grass and act as a natural fertilizer. The vineyards are surrounded by 6000 acres of native forest, creating a balanced, biodiverse landscape for healthy vines to thrive alongside natural wildlife corridors and native vegetation. Winemaker Sofia Araya produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, and the wines are aged in combinations of neutral oak, concrete eggs, and stainless-steel tanks.
Natural and Organic.
Grape / Blend
Pinot Noir
Origin
Casablanca Valley, Chile
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The season had very little winter rainfall, and temperatures rose significantly near the end of spring, all the way through summer. Harvest began in mid-February, and lower yields resulted in remarkable aromatic intensity and flavor, delivering wines with good balance and excellent concentration.
91 Points - James Suckling
A pinot noir with sweet tobacco and strawberry aromas and flavors. Medium body, tight tannins and a fresh finish. Linear and fine.
91 Points - Ian Blackburn
Tender cherry red color, bright and fresh. A pure, clean, fruit oriented expression of pinot with freshness and salinity. Crispy red cherry skins and hints of fresh strawberry with soft brown spices; wonderful mouthfeel that leans into freshness, minerality and acidity. The body is balanced and will benefit from a cooler serving temperature; perfect for summer fair. Color 13/15, Aroma 23/25, Body 22/25, Overall Impression 33/35 - 91 points and a terrific value under $20
90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Obviously, the 2017 Ritual Pinot Noir feels ripe, the product of a warm and dry year. It is quite expressive and open, quite varietal and clean, with red fruit and floral aromas and a serious mouthfeel with very fine and chalky tannins. The oak is very integrated, and the wine feels harmonious and has good freshness.
Product size: 750ml
