Dec 30, 2022
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Adastra Wines
| Owner(s) | Edwin Richards, Chris Thorpe, Naomi Thorpe |
| Web site | www.adastrawines.com |
| Link to this site |
The name Adastra is taken from the Latin saying per aspera ad astra, "through striving to the stars." Family owned, Adastra is run by Naomi and Chris Thorpe and son-in-law Edwin Richards, and features wines from Adastra Vineyards. Pam Starr has been the winemaking consultant since 1997.
The Thorpes bought the 33-acre Carneros ranch that became Adastra in 1984. Adastra Vineyards was established in 1989, returning vines to the Carneros property for the first time since Prohibition. 6 acres of Pinot Noir (Swan, Pommard, Wädenswil, Dijon 113 and 115), 7 acres of Chardonnay and 7 acres of Merlot are planted. Adastra's vineyards are certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).
All the Pinot Noir was sold to Etude beginning in 1997, but a small amount was withheld in 2002 to launch the Adastra label. Talisman has sourced grapes in recent years.
Adastra is open for private tours by appointment.
Articles About Adastra Wines
Reviewed Wines
2018 Adastra Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.61, $45. Produced and bottled by
Adastra Verrerie, Sonoma, CA. Made from organic grapes. Clones are “DRC,” Swan, Pommard, 115 and 777.
Extended 44-45 day maceration. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 20% new.
·
Very reserved aromas of
blackberry jam on a toasted muffin. Full-bodied, with a big gulp of very ripe fruit flavors of blackberry, raisin, and
cassis framed by toasty oak and energetic tannins. Velvety in texture with a fruit-packed finish. A bit tiring to
imbibe. A slight sense of alcoholic warmth shows up as the wine warms in the glass. A Cabernet lover’s Pinot.
Unchanged when sampled the following day from a previously opened bottle.
Score: 89.
Reviewed May 16, 2021
ARTICLE »
2018 Adastra Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.61, $45. Produced and bottled by Adastra Verrerie, Sonoma, CA. Made from organic grapes. Clones are “DRC,” Swan, Pommard, 115 and 777. Extended 44-45 day maceration. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Very reserved aromas of blackberry jam on a toasted muffin. Full-bodied, with a big gulp of very ripe fruit flavors of blackberry, raisin, and cassis framed by toasty oak and energetic tannins. Velvety in texture with a fruit-packed finish. A bit tiring to imbibe. A slight sense of alcoholic warmth shows up as the wine warms in the glass. A Cabernet lover’s Pinot. Unchanged when sampled the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed May 16, 2021 ARTICLE »