Dec 30, 2022
Search This Site:
Penner-Ash Wine Cellars
| Owner(s) | Lynn Penner-Ash, Ron Penner-Ash |
| Web site | www.pennerash.com |
| Link to this site |
Lynn and Ron Penner- Ash craft their Pinot Noirs in a newly-constructed gravity flow winery located on 80 acres in Newberg, OR. Lynn, whose career began at Rex Hill Winery (1988), worked there for 14½ years, starting her own label two years prior to leaving. She has a touch with Pinot Noir and her wines have received well-deserved praise from the wine press. Lynn is a graduate of University California Davis and developed her skills at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Domaine Chandon and Chateau St. Jean before arriving in Oregon in 1988.
In 2001, Lynn and her husband, a school teacher, quit their jobs to devote their energies full time to Penner-Ash Wine Cellars. They built the brand from 125 cases to 10,000 cases today. Lynn also makes the wines for Dusky Goose and was the founding winemaker for Alexana.
The lineup of Penner-Ash Pinot Noirs includes a Willamette Valley appellation blend, Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dussin Vineyard Pinot Noir, Goldschmidt Vineyard Pinot Noir, various other vineyard designates, and a Pinot Noir/Syrah blend labeled Rubeo. The wines (also including Syrah and Viognier) are sold on the website and through retail channels.
Articles About Penner-Ash Wine Cellars
2012 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans Honorable Mention (9.17 12/26/2012)
A Taste of Noiregon, Vintages 2005 & 2006 (7.2 9/15/2008)
Adventures on the Pinot Trail: World of Pinot Noir - The Seminars (9.39 3/29/2014)
Large Review of 2009 & 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs With a Few from 2008 & 2011 (9.7 5/9/2012)
Many Oregon Wineries Offering Pinot Noir for a C-Note or More (9.15 11/24/2012)
More Juicy 2010 Oregon Pinot Incoming (9.15 11/24/2012)
On The Pinot Trail: Pigs & Pinot (8.13 4/8/2010)
Oregon Pinot Noir Tasting (6.20 3/27/2007)
Pinot Briefs (9.27 7/22/2013)
Pinot Briefs (10.15 8/18/2015)
Pinot Briefs (11.25 6/26/2018)
Prince’s Excellent Adventure at WOPN (6.56 3/23/2008)
Report from 2009 IPNC (7.22 8/5/2009)
Shea Wine Cellars & Shea Vineyard (6.52 1/30/2008)
Sips of Pinot (8.25 11/7/2010)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (9.34 12/17/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (11.11 10/8/2017)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (10.6 3/15/2015)
Sips of Recently Tasted Willamette Valley Wines (11.5 6/25/2017)
Reviewed Wines
2015 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Oregon Syrah
14.9% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.66, 495 cases, $40. Sourced from six
Oregon vineyards in warmer growing regions. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 30% new, 35% one-yearold,
15% two-year-old and 20% neutral. l don’t review Syrah but I have a fondness for Oregon cool climate Syrah
so what the heck.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. A serenade of cassis, white pepper and tobacco aromas lead
off. Full-bodied and robust with hefty tannins. A man’s wine with plenty of delectable blackberry, boysenberry and
black currant fruit accented with spice. Impressive length in the mouth with a persistent finish. This wine needs a
big ribeye steak. I had my neighbors try this one since they like bigger wines and they went ga-ga over it.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 8, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.54, 9,100 cases, $40.
Sourced from 13 vineyards. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 29% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass.
This nose is entirely seductive over time, exhibiting aromas of black cherry, fertile soil and warm spices. A very
forward and friendly wine featuring middleweight flavors of black cherry and blackberry fruits that have an
expansive presence in the mouth and finish with stellar length. There is a significant tannic backbone and the
right touch of nutty oak.
Score: 90.
Reviewed October 8, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Penner-Ash Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 430 cases, $65.
Pommard, Wädenswil, and Dijon 777 and 114. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 31% new.
·
Moderate
garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of cherry, spice and sous-bois. Soft, even creamy in the mouth, with
a discreet concentration of dark berry and black cherry fruits. Seamless, with a deft touch of oak, and enticing
blackberry fueled finish. Still shows impeccable balance when tasted the following day from a previously
opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 92.
Reviewed June 25, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Estate Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.76, TA
0.55, 1,000 cases, $65. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 27% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. An
arsenal of dark red cherry and berry fruits emerge over time in the glass. Slow to give up its charms initially but
regal and great when tasted later in the day from a previously opened bottle. A mid weight assortment of purple
and black fruits are fresh and deep, backed by a taut tannic spine and enough acidity for freshness. The
harmonious mouthfeel draws you back to the glass and nuances of spice and earth show up in time. Built for
aging, this wine will benefit from more time in the cellar and may be deserving of an even higher score over time.
Score: 93.
Reviewed October 8, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Zena Crown Vineyard Eola- Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH
3.74, TA 0.49, 500 cases, $65. Aged 10 months in French oak
barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass.
Engaging aromas arrive over time in the glass, including
blackberry, cassis, toast, warm spices and bacon. Mid weight
plus in weight, with a substantial black fruit load balanced by
burly tannins. Oak is deftly matched to the fruit that has an earthy
underpinning. The wine was considerably better when tasted later in the
day from a previously opened bottle and may deserve a higher score with
a few years in the cellar.
Score: 92.
Reviewed October 8, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Pas de Nom Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.78, TA 0.47, 350
cases, $125. Sourced from Bella Vida, Shea, Penner-Ash Estate, Elevée, Hyland and Zena Crown vineyards.
Select barrels in the cellar. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, 25% one-year-old, 30% two-yearold
and 5% neutral.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Easy to find superlatives for this special wine with
no name. Intense aromas of cherry, rose petal and forest floor, broadening over time to deeper tones. Delicious
mid weight black raspberry, black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors that offer pleasing density and a mouth
coating finish. Stunning mid palate presence with a dreamy texture, integrated tannins, and a deft touch of toasty,
peppery oak. Considerably better when tasted later in the day from a previously opened bottle and still
embraceable two days later. This is a celebratory wine for special occasions.
Score: 95.
Reviewed October 8, 2017
ARTICLE »
2012 Penner-Ash Estate Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc.,pH 3.69, TA
0.56, 753 cases, $65. Harvest Brix 25.7º. Aged 10 months in 32% new, 21% 1-year-old, 32% 2-year-old, and
15% neutral French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is fruity and fragrant,
featuring aromas of dark berries, cassis forest floor and vanilla. Structured and sappy, with flavors of sweet
blackberry, black raspberry, and pomegranate, with a hint of brewed tea, backed by a noticeable oak imprint.
Unusually extracted for an Oregon Pinot Noir reflecting the 2012 vintage. The finish is fruity and racy with a
good cut of acidity.
Score: 90.
Reviewed March 16, 2015
ARTICLE »
2011 Penner-Ash Dussin Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., pH
3.76, TA 0.53, $60. From the estate vineyard located on a southeast sloping hillside surrounding the winery.
Volcanic and sedimentary soils. Harvest Brix 20.8º-22.6º. Aged 10 months in 38% new, 28% 1-year-old, 25%
2-year-old and 9% neutral French oak barrels.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The aromas arrive
slowly in the glass, offering notes of black cherry, forest floor, and oak spice. Mid weight core of oak-toned
black cherry and plum fruit flavors. Very elegant and polished in style, with a soft mouth feel and balanced
tannins. Very likable, although showing a moderate oak sheen at this time which should moderate with more
bottle age.
Score: 89.
Reviewed December 18, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Penner-Ash Dussin Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.79, TA 0.52, $60. This estate vineyard is planted in
sedimentary and volcanic soils to Dijon and Pommard clones on a
southeastern slope. Aged 10 months in 38% new, 29% one-year-old,
29% two-year-old and 4% neutral French oak.
·
Moderately light reddishpurple
color in the glass. Very shy aromas of dark red and black berries
with a hint of oak-derived mocha. Delicious heart of richly flavored spicy black
plum and boysenberry fruit with a topcoat of cherry cola, vanilla and mocha java.
Well-behaved tannins make for easy approachability. Very silky and seductive.
Still great the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Reviewed November 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 Penner-Ash Shea Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5%
alc., pH 3.87, TA 0.50, 500 cases, $60. Released July 2012. Almost
equal parts Pommard, 777 and 114 clones, sourced from multiple blocks
at Shea Vineyard. The Wädenswil did not make into the 2010 blend.
Cold soak was shorter than normal (3 days) due to botrytis and coldness
of the fruit when it came in. Fermented in 2-ton stainless steel tanks with
hand punch downs. Aged in 25% new French oak, 25% once-filled barrels, and
50% seasoned barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass.
Beautifully perfumed with aromas of dark stone fruits and berries with a touch of
oak. Ambrosial flavors of black cherries and black raspberries with a touch of
spice. The fruit is perfectly ripe and vivid. Excellent concentration with firm matching tannins, exhibiting deep
cherry flavor in a lasting finish. This is a “Wow” wine that really emotes. Still terrific the following day from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle when my wife and I happily polished it off. A 2012 All-American.
Reviewed November 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $40.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the
glass. Aromas of raspberry preserves jump out of the glass and hold on over time in the glass. Delicious array
of dark red cherries and berries, especially black cap raspberries. Seamless and elegant with mild tannins and
easy approachability. I really liked this Willamette Valley blend which is one of the best I have tasted from this
or any vintage. Impressive length for a blend. Very good (+).
Reviewed May 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Penner-Ash Dussin Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $50. From a vineyard adjacent the winery in the Yamhill-
Carlton District. Volcanic and sedimentary soils.
·
Moderately light
reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued, but pleasant aromas of dark
red and black berries with complimentary notes of forest and timber. Mid
weight flavors of black cherries supported by moderate fine-grain tannins
and perfectly matched acidity. A highly enjoyable and sophisticated offering that
is potentially better and more age worthy than the Willamette Valley bottling.
Like all great wines, it takes on more interest and intensity with time in the glass.
A seamless, serious wine of endless charm.
Reviewed May 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2008 Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $32.
·
Moderately dark ruby color in the glass. A
fruity nose redolent with bright dark red berries and cherries with a hint of pine needle and spice. Delicious
essence of black raspberries and black cherries enveloped in gossamer tannins. Reasonably pleasing and
refreshing although on the lighter side. Beautifully composed with well-integrated oak and a soft, dreamy
texture. A straightforward, solid wine that is drinkable now. Good.
Reviewed November 7, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Penner-Ash Dussin Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc.,
$40. From an estate vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton District planted in volcanic
and sedimentary soils.
·
Darkly colored. Brooding aromas of black fruits with
hints of brioche and toasty oak. A polished, refined and sophisticated offering
with plenty of earthy black fruits and a healthy tannic backbone. Monolithic and
closed now, but gets better over time in the glass. Very soft in the mouth with
oak playing a supporting role in the background. Like many 2008 premium
wines from Oregon, this one needs a few years in the cellar. Should turn out to
be spectacular. Very good.
Reviewed November 7, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
$35. Lynn and Ron Penner-
Ash craft their Pinot Noirs in a newly-constructed gravity flow winery located on
80 acres in Newberg, OR. Lynn, whose career began at Rex Hill Winery, has a touch with Pinot Noir
and her wines have received well-deserved praise from the wine press.
·
This is one of those wines that
can best be described as a beautiful woman in fine red lingerie. Full of charm and attraction, this was one
of the best Pinot Noirs I tasted all weekend.
Reviewed March 23, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5%
alc., 4,500 cases, $48. From different vineyards in the northern part of the
Willamette Valley.
·
Shy, but charming dark red fruits and a sniff of spice
that builds in intensity in the glass. A bit reticent black cherry core with a
sidecar of cola and grilled meat, plenty of unresolved tannins, and a little
heat on the finish. Just not together right now.
Reviewed September 15, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Penner-Ash Dussin Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $60. Penner-Ash is
surrounded by the Dussin Vineyard located high on a ridge in the Yamhill-Carlton District. Chris and
Tyanne Dussin are the owners.
·
The wine sports darker Pinot fruits in the nose and the fruit is echoed in
the flavors. A beautiful wine which is full, plush and creamy in the mouth displaying deft use of oak and
a refreshing and lingering finish. Still a bit shy, the wine picks up intensity and complexity in the glass
over time. I would give this one a couple of years in the cellar, but it will be tough to avoid the
temptation to open it now.
Reviewed September 15, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Penner-Ash Shea Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $60. Lynn Penner-Ash
was formerly the winemaker at Rex Hill Vineyards and now has her own winery in Carlton.
·
The most
attractive aromatics in the lineup featuring raspberry, cherry, and Xmas spice. Soft in the mouth, long in
the finish, with lovely berry and cherry fruit that is soft and comforting on the palate. Delightful.
Reviewed January 30, 2008
ARTICLE »
2015 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Oregon Syrah
14.9% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.66, 495 cases, $40. Sourced from six Oregon vineyards in warmer growing regions. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 30% new, 35% one-yearold, 15% two-year-old and 20% neutral. l don’t review Syrah but I have a fondness for Oregon cool climate Syrah so what the heck. · Dark garnet color in the glass. A serenade of cassis, white pepper and tobacco aromas lead off. Full-bodied and robust with hefty tannins. A man’s wine with plenty of delectable blackberry, boysenberry and black currant fruit accented with spice. Impressive length in the mouth with a persistent finish. This wine needs a big ribeye steak. I had my neighbors try this one since they like bigger wines and they went ga-ga over it. Score: 92. Reviewed October 8, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.54, 9,100 cases, $40. Sourced from 13 vineyards. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 29% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. This nose is entirely seductive over time, exhibiting aromas of black cherry, fertile soil and warm spices. A very forward and friendly wine featuring middleweight flavors of black cherry and blackberry fruits that have an expansive presence in the mouth and finish with stellar length. There is a significant tannic backbone and the right touch of nutty oak. Score: 90. Reviewed October 8, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Penner-Ash Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 430 cases, $65. Pommard, Wädenswil, and Dijon 777 and 114. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 31% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of cherry, spice and sous-bois. Soft, even creamy in the mouth, with a discreet concentration of dark berry and black cherry fruits. Seamless, with a deft touch of oak, and enticing blackberry fueled finish. Still shows impeccable balance when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed June 25, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Estate Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.55, 1,000 cases, $65. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 27% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. An arsenal of dark red cherry and berry fruits emerge over time in the glass. Slow to give up its charms initially but regal and great when tasted later in the day from a previously opened bottle. A mid weight assortment of purple and black fruits are fresh and deep, backed by a taut tannic spine and enough acidity for freshness. The harmonious mouthfeel draws you back to the glass and nuances of spice and earth show up in time. Built for aging, this wine will benefit from more time in the cellar and may be deserving of an even higher score over time. Score: 93. Reviewed October 8, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Zena Crown Vineyard Eola- Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.49, 500 cases, $65. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas arrive over time in the glass, including blackberry, cassis, toast, warm spices and bacon. Mid weight plus in weight, with a substantial black fruit load balanced by burly tannins. Oak is deftly matched to the fruit that has an earthy underpinning. The wine was considerably better when tasted later in the day from a previously opened bottle and may deserve a higher score with a few years in the cellar. Score: 92. Reviewed October 8, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Pas de Nom Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.78, TA 0.47, 350 cases, $125. Sourced from Bella Vida, Shea, Penner-Ash Estate, Elevée, Hyland and Zena Crown vineyards. Select barrels in the cellar. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new, 25% one-year-old, 30% two-yearold and 5% neutral. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Easy to find superlatives for this special wine with no name. Intense aromas of cherry, rose petal and forest floor, broadening over time to deeper tones. Delicious mid weight black raspberry, black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors that offer pleasing density and a mouth coating finish. Stunning mid palate presence with a dreamy texture, integrated tannins, and a deft touch of toasty, peppery oak. Considerably better when tasted later in the day from a previously opened bottle and still embraceable two days later. This is a celebratory wine for special occasions. Score: 95. Reviewed October 8, 2017 ARTICLE »
2012 Penner-Ash Estate Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc.,pH 3.69, TA 0.56, 753 cases, $65. Harvest Brix 25.7º. Aged 10 months in 32% new, 21% 1-year-old, 32% 2-year-old, and 15% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is fruity and fragrant, featuring aromas of dark berries, cassis forest floor and vanilla. Structured and sappy, with flavors of sweet blackberry, black raspberry, and pomegranate, with a hint of brewed tea, backed by a noticeable oak imprint. Unusually extracted for an Oregon Pinot Noir reflecting the 2012 vintage. The finish is fruity and racy with a good cut of acidity. Score: 90. Reviewed March 16, 2015 ARTICLE »
2011 Penner-Ash Dussin Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.3% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.53, $60. From the estate vineyard located on a southeast sloping hillside surrounding the winery. Volcanic and sedimentary soils. Harvest Brix 20.8º-22.6º. Aged 10 months in 38% new, 28% 1-year-old, 25% 2-year-old and 9% neutral French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The aromas arrive slowly in the glass, offering notes of black cherry, forest floor, and oak spice. Mid weight core of oak-toned black cherry and plum fruit flavors. Very elegant and polished in style, with a soft mouth feel and balanced tannins. Very likable, although showing a moderate oak sheen at this time which should moderate with more bottle age. Score: 89. Reviewed December 18, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Penner-Ash Dussin Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., pH 3.79, TA 0.52, $60. This estate vineyard is planted in sedimentary and volcanic soils to Dijon and Pommard clones on a southeastern slope. Aged 10 months in 38% new, 29% one-year-old, 29% two-year-old and 4% neutral French oak. · Moderately light reddishpurple color in the glass. Very shy aromas of dark red and black berries with a hint of oak-derived mocha. Delicious heart of richly flavored spicy black plum and boysenberry fruit with a topcoat of cherry cola, vanilla and mocha java. Well-behaved tannins make for easy approachability. Very silky and seductive. Still great the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed November 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 Penner-Ash Shea Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.87, TA 0.50, 500 cases, $60. Released July 2012. Almost equal parts Pommard, 777 and 114 clones, sourced from multiple blocks at Shea Vineyard. The Wädenswil did not make into the 2010 blend. Cold soak was shorter than normal (3 days) due to botrytis and coldness of the fruit when it came in. Fermented in 2-ton stainless steel tanks with hand punch downs. Aged in 25% new French oak, 25% once-filled barrels, and 50% seasoned barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Beautifully perfumed with aromas of dark stone fruits and berries with a touch of oak. Ambrosial flavors of black cherries and black raspberries with a touch of spice. The fruit is perfectly ripe and vivid. Excellent concentration with firm matching tannins, exhibiting deep cherry flavor in a lasting finish. This is a “Wow” wine that really emotes. Still terrific the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle when my wife and I happily polished it off. A 2012 All-American. Reviewed November 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $40. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of raspberry preserves jump out of the glass and hold on over time in the glass. Delicious array of dark red cherries and berries, especially black cap raspberries. Seamless and elegant with mild tannins and easy approachability. I really liked this Willamette Valley blend which is one of the best I have tasted from this or any vintage. Impressive length for a blend. Very good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Penner-Ash Dussin Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $50. From a vineyard adjacent the winery in the Yamhill- Carlton District. Volcanic and sedimentary soils. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued, but pleasant aromas of dark red and black berries with complimentary notes of forest and timber. Mid weight flavors of black cherries supported by moderate fine-grain tannins and perfectly matched acidity. A highly enjoyable and sophisticated offering that is potentially better and more age worthy than the Willamette Valley bottling. Like all great wines, it takes on more interest and intensity with time in the glass. A seamless, serious wine of endless charm. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $32. · Moderately dark ruby color in the glass. A fruity nose redolent with bright dark red berries and cherries with a hint of pine needle and spice. Delicious essence of black raspberries and black cherries enveloped in gossamer tannins. Reasonably pleasing and refreshing although on the lighter side. Beautifully composed with well-integrated oak and a soft, dreamy texture. A straightforward, solid wine that is drinkable now. Good. Reviewed November 7, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Penner-Ash Dussin Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $40. From an estate vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton District planted in volcanic and sedimentary soils. · Darkly colored. Brooding aromas of black fruits with hints of brioche and toasty oak. A polished, refined and sophisticated offering with plenty of earthy black fruits and a healthy tannic backbone. Monolithic and closed now, but gets better over time in the glass. Very soft in the mouth with oak playing a supporting role in the background. Like many 2008 premium wines from Oregon, this one needs a few years in the cellar. Should turn out to be spectacular. Very good. Reviewed November 7, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
$35. Lynn and Ron Penner- Ash craft their Pinot Noirs in a newly-constructed gravity flow winery located on 80 acres in Newberg, OR. Lynn, whose career began at Rex Hill Winery, has a touch with Pinot Noir and her wines have received well-deserved praise from the wine press. · This is one of those wines that can best be described as a beautiful woman in fine red lingerie. Full of charm and attraction, this was one of the best Pinot Noirs I tasted all weekend. Reviewed March 23, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Penner-Ash Wine Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 4,500 cases, $48. From different vineyards in the northern part of the Willamette Valley. · Shy, but charming dark red fruits and a sniff of spice that builds in intensity in the glass. A bit reticent black cherry core with a sidecar of cola and grilled meat, plenty of unresolved tannins, and a little heat on the finish. Just not together right now. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Penner-Ash Dussin Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $60. Penner-Ash is surrounded by the Dussin Vineyard located high on a ridge in the Yamhill-Carlton District. Chris and Tyanne Dussin are the owners. · The wine sports darker Pinot fruits in the nose and the fruit is echoed in the flavors. A beautiful wine which is full, plush and creamy in the mouth displaying deft use of oak and a refreshing and lingering finish. Still a bit shy, the wine picks up intensity and complexity in the glass over time. I would give this one a couple of years in the cellar, but it will be tough to avoid the temptation to open it now. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Penner-Ash Shea Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $60. Lynn Penner-Ash was formerly the winemaker at Rex Hill Vineyards and now has her own winery in Carlton. · The most attractive aromatics in the lineup featuring raspberry, cherry, and Xmas spice. Soft in the mouth, long in the finish, with lovely berry and cherry fruit that is soft and comforting on the palate. Delightful. Reviewed January 30, 2008 ARTICLE »