Dec 30, 2022
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Aether Wine Company
| Owner(s) | Jeff Fink |
| Web site | www.aetherwines.com |
| Link to this site |
Jeff Fink, formerly the winemaker at Tantara and Pence Ranch, launched a new winery in 2015. The name, Aether, is derived from the Greeks who saw the aether as the link between the earthly realm and the heavens, the so-called fifth element (beyond earth, water, wind and sunlight).
The first vintage, 2013, includes a Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, Pence Ranch Pinot Noir, Matrix Pinot Noir and La Colline Pinot Noir. A Chardonnay is also offered from Wolff Vineyard. The wines are offered for sale on the website.
Articles About Aether Wine Company
2018 California Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.36 12/29/2018)
A Bounty of Ravishing California Pinot Noir Greets the New Year (11.16 1/6/2018)
Chardonnay: No Wonder that it is the Most Popular White Varietal (11.16 1/6/2018)
Pinot Briefs (10.12 6/14/2015)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (10.32 6/18/2016)
Reviewed Wines
2014 Aether Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.54, $36. A blend from Pence
Ranch, Dierberg, Drum Canyon, Hilliard Bruce, and Sanford & Benedict vineyards. Harvest Brix
22.8º-24.4º. 80% indigenous and 20% RC-212 fermentation.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the
glass. Aromas arrive slowly in the glass, offering notes of cherry, spice and burnt tobacco. Elegant
and cashmere in the mouth in a light to mid weight style, featuring enticing flavors of dark red
fruits, spice and toast and a subtle earthbound thread. Nicely balanced, with buried tannins and a
modest but pleasing finish. Much more enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously
opened and re-corked bottle. A solid everyday drinker.
Score: 91.
Reviewed January 6, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Aether Sierra Madre Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay
13.2% alc., pH 3.26, $36.
Clone 17 from Robert Young Vineyard in Alexander Valley. Often called the Robert Young clone but
is a selection of budwood brought from the Wente Vineyard in Livermore in the 1960s. It first
appeared on the FPS registered list in 1987 after heat treatment.. Harvest Brix 21.8º. An heirloom
vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley first established in 1971. A very cool and windy site due to
proximity to ocean. Barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 27 months in French oak
barrels, 25% new.
·
Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, pineapple,
yellow cake and brioche hold court over time in the glass. Energetic and crisp in the mouth, with great purity of
flavor and restrained richness. Flavors of lemon, pineapple, Golden Delicious apple and tropical notes combine
in harmony, finishing with lemony goodness. The wine shows very little barrel imposition and the slightest
tannins enrich the body.
Score: 94.
Reviewed January 6, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Aether Drum Canyon Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.41, $50. Vineyard
established in 2003 by the Dierberg family. 56-acres planted almost entirely to Pinot Noir. Calera clone. Harvest
Brix 23.7º. 100% indigenous fermentation. Aged 27 months in neutral French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet
color in the glass. An earthbound nose with added aromas of dark red and black fruits. Rather monolithic upon
opening, showing more nuance and interest when tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked
bottle. Mid weight flavors of well-ripened black fruits, spice and tobacco and welcome intensity on the
ending.
Score: 92.
Reviewed January 6, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Aether Quinta Del Mar Vineyard San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.45, $50. A
uniquely situated 20-acre Pinot Noir vineyard on the western flank of the Nipomo foothills near the town of
Nipomo. Clones 115 and 777 planted in 2006. Harvest Brix 23.8º. 50% whole cluster and 100% indigenous
fermentation.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, spice, vanilla and earthy flora are inviting.
Mid weight flavors of blackberry, black raspberry and cassis with initially noticeable oak-driven flavors of cola,
vanilla and toast. Considerably more enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked
bottle, with better oak integration and soaring flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and spice.
Score: 93.
Reviewed January 6, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Aether Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.45, $50. Vineyard
first planted in 1971 by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict.Clone 115. Harvest Brix 24.0º. 100% indigenous
fermentation.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Black cherry fruit and seasoned oak interplay on the nose. A
charge of dark red and black fruits seduce with juicy intent, backed by a firm tannic structure. Smooth in the
mouth, with impressive length on the finish that has good cut. Much better when tasted the day after from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle. Immense charm.
Score: 93.
Reviewed January 6, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Aether Matrix Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $65. Harvest Brix 24.1º. Calera and 115
clones. 25% whole cluster, indigenous yeast, aged 27
months in neutral French oak barrels.The name implies a
mosaic of flavors and aromas ever changing and moving
through time. In the case of this wine, Matrix is a fusion of
the energy and flavors of two vineyards with divergent yet
simpatico character - Quinta del Mar and Drum Canyon.
·
Moderate
garnet color in the glass. Shy, but very pleasant aromas of black cherry
and black raspberry fruits. Vivid array of dark red to purple orchard and
berry fruits presented in a seductive, mid weight style with valued
length. Seamless with a polished texture and ethereal refinement.
Notable but not intrusive oak in the background. Finishes bright and
quenching with a burst of cherry goodness. The most transcendent of the 2014 Aether Pinots.
Score: 94.
Reviewed January 6, 2018
ARTICLE »
2013 Aether Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $36. This wine is composed of barrels
from Dierberg, Drum Canyon and Pence Ranch vineyards. Harvest Brix 23.8º. 20% whole cluster. 3
to 4-day cold soak, RC 212 ferment, 15 to 17 days on skins, aged 18 months in neutral French oak
barrels, indigenous malolactic fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple
hue in the glass. Penetrating aromas of fresh cherry mash with a touch of spice. The black cherry
core is accented with smoky, toasty oak and hints of black tea and blackberry. Soft in the mouth,
with silky tannins and a slight sense of alcoholic warmth complete the picture of this forward
drinking wine.
Score: 89.
Reviewed June 18, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Aether Pence Ranch Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $50. Harvest Brix 23.8º average.
Clones 459, 115 and “828.” Indigenous primary and malolactic fermentation. 20% whole clusters. 15 to 20 days
on skins. Aged 18 months in neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light
reddish purple color in the glass. The nose reveals its charms slowly in the glass, becoming a cherry bomb with
oak highlights. The mid weight flavors of black cherry and blueberry are embellished with cinnamon and other
spices in a silky textured wine with balanced tannins and juicy acidity. The bounty of cherry on the finish
appeals. Noticeably better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 93.
Reviewed June 18, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Aether Matrix Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $55. Harvest Brix 24.0º-24.3º. Clones 115
and 777. 50% whole cluster. 3 to 4-day cold soak, indigenous primary and malolactic fermentations. 17 to 20
days on skins. Aged 18 months in neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light
reddish purple color in the glass. A mix of savory and fruity aromas on the nose, featuring scents of cherry,
strawberry, earthy flora, sandalwood and shitake mushroom. Vibrant and juicy on the palate with a
middleweight core of dark red cherry and berry goodness complimented by a touch of oak. The lightest in
weight of the four 2013 Aether wines, but highly enjoyable, with a cherry-fueled finish of some note. Even
better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 92.
Reviewed June 18, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Aether La Colline Arroyo Grande Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH
3.60, $60. Harvest Brix 24.4º, 100% de-stemmed, 3 to 4-day cold soak,
indigenous primary and malolactic fermentations, 18 days on skins, aged
18 months in neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy fruit expression on
the nose that is earth-laden. More expressive on the palate, with a bold
charge of black cherry and pomegranate fruits supported by grainy
tannins that add textural interest. This is the most extracted wine in the
2013 Aether lineup with the most fruit statement. The bountiful mid
palate presence and exceptional finishing length make this wine special.
Even more expressive the following day from a previously opened and
re-corked bottle.
Score: 93.
Reviewed June 18, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Aether Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.54, $36. A blend from Pence Ranch, Dierberg, Drum Canyon, Hilliard Bruce, and Sanford & Benedict vineyards. Harvest Brix 22.8º-24.4º. 80% indigenous and 20% RC-212 fermentation. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas arrive slowly in the glass, offering notes of cherry, spice and burnt tobacco. Elegant and cashmere in the mouth in a light to mid weight style, featuring enticing flavors of dark red fruits, spice and toast and a subtle earthbound thread. Nicely balanced, with buried tannins and a modest but pleasing finish. Much more enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A solid everyday drinker. Score: 91. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Aether Sierra Madre Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay
13.2% alc., pH 3.26, $36. Clone 17 from Robert Young Vineyard in Alexander Valley. Often called the Robert Young clone but is a selection of budwood brought from the Wente Vineyard in Livermore in the 1960s. It first appeared on the FPS registered list in 1987 after heat treatment.. Harvest Brix 21.8º. An heirloom vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley first established in 1971. A very cool and windy site due to proximity to ocean. Barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 27 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, pineapple, yellow cake and brioche hold court over time in the glass. Energetic and crisp in the mouth, with great purity of flavor and restrained richness. Flavors of lemon, pineapple, Golden Delicious apple and tropical notes combine in harmony, finishing with lemony goodness. The wine shows very little barrel imposition and the slightest tannins enrich the body. Score: 94. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Aether Drum Canyon Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.41, $50. Vineyard established in 2003 by the Dierberg family. 56-acres planted almost entirely to Pinot Noir. Calera clone. Harvest Brix 23.7º. 100% indigenous fermentation. Aged 27 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. An earthbound nose with added aromas of dark red and black fruits. Rather monolithic upon opening, showing more nuance and interest when tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle. Mid weight flavors of well-ripened black fruits, spice and tobacco and welcome intensity on the ending. Score: 92. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Aether Quinta Del Mar Vineyard San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.45, $50. A uniquely situated 20-acre Pinot Noir vineyard on the western flank of the Nipomo foothills near the town of Nipomo. Clones 115 and 777 planted in 2006. Harvest Brix 23.8º. 50% whole cluster and 100% indigenous fermentation. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, spice, vanilla and earthy flora are inviting. Mid weight flavors of blackberry, black raspberry and cassis with initially noticeable oak-driven flavors of cola, vanilla and toast. Considerably more enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, with better oak integration and soaring flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and spice. Score: 93. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Aether Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.45, $50. Vineyard first planted in 1971 by Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict.Clone 115. Harvest Brix 24.0º. 100% indigenous fermentation. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Black cherry fruit and seasoned oak interplay on the nose. A charge of dark red and black fruits seduce with juicy intent, backed by a firm tannic structure. Smooth in the mouth, with impressive length on the finish that has good cut. Much better when tasted the day after from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Immense charm. Score: 93. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Aether Matrix Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $65. Harvest Brix 24.1º. Calera and 115 clones. 25% whole cluster, indigenous yeast, aged 27 months in neutral French oak barrels.The name implies a mosaic of flavors and aromas ever changing and moving through time. In the case of this wine, Matrix is a fusion of the energy and flavors of two vineyards with divergent yet simpatico character - Quinta del Mar and Drum Canyon. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy, but very pleasant aromas of black cherry and black raspberry fruits. Vivid array of dark red to purple orchard and berry fruits presented in a seductive, mid weight style with valued length. Seamless with a polished texture and ethereal refinement. Notable but not intrusive oak in the background. Finishes bright and quenching with a burst of cherry goodness. The most transcendent of the 2014 Aether Pinots. Score: 94. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »
2013 Aether Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $36. This wine is composed of barrels from Dierberg, Drum Canyon and Pence Ranch vineyards. Harvest Brix 23.8º. 20% whole cluster. 3 to 4-day cold soak, RC 212 ferment, 15 to 17 days on skins, aged 18 months in neutral French oak barrels, indigenous malolactic fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Penetrating aromas of fresh cherry mash with a touch of spice. The black cherry core is accented with smoky, toasty oak and hints of black tea and blackberry. Soft in the mouth, with silky tannins and a slight sense of alcoholic warmth complete the picture of this forward drinking wine. Score: 89. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Aether Pence Ranch Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $50. Harvest Brix 23.8º average. Clones 459, 115 and “828.” Indigenous primary and malolactic fermentation. 20% whole clusters. 15 to 20 days on skins. Aged 18 months in neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose reveals its charms slowly in the glass, becoming a cherry bomb with oak highlights. The mid weight flavors of black cherry and blueberry are embellished with cinnamon and other spices in a silky textured wine with balanced tannins and juicy acidity. The bounty of cherry on the finish appeals. Noticeably better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Aether Matrix Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $55. Harvest Brix 24.0º-24.3º. Clones 115 and 777. 50% whole cluster. 3 to 4-day cold soak, indigenous primary and malolactic fermentations. 17 to 20 days on skins. Aged 18 months in neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A mix of savory and fruity aromas on the nose, featuring scents of cherry, strawberry, earthy flora, sandalwood and shitake mushroom. Vibrant and juicy on the palate with a middleweight core of dark red cherry and berry goodness complimented by a touch of oak. The lightest in weight of the four 2013 Aether wines, but highly enjoyable, with a cherry-fueled finish of some note. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Aether La Colline Arroyo Grande Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.60, $60. Harvest Brix 24.4º, 100% de-stemmed, 3 to 4-day cold soak, indigenous primary and malolactic fermentations, 18 days on skins, aged 18 months in neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy fruit expression on the nose that is earth-laden. More expressive on the palate, with a bold charge of black cherry and pomegranate fruits supported by grainy tannins that add textural interest. This is the most extracted wine in the 2013 Aether lineup with the most fruit statement. The bountiful mid palate presence and exceptional finishing length make this wine special. Even more expressive the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »