If this wine sounds familiar, you’re correct. We had the Gamay from Ayres in the March selection, but, man, when a wine blows your doors off you must dispense with self-imposed rules to not repeat wineries in x-amount of time. Brad McElroy just has a touch and a humble, possibly Midwestern-induced price point that cannot be denied. This wine is a blend of the Ayres Estate Vineyard in Ribbon Ridge along with the leased Oliver Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton. The leasing of a vineyard allows a winery to control every aspect of the growing, including actions that cause a decrease in yield but which produce better grapes. All the fruit is grown sustainably with the estate vineyard being L.I.V.E and Salmon Safe certified. Very moderate use of new oak merely amplifies the plush dark cherry, fresh berry and spice notes of the fruit, while not overwhelming the aromas of fresh-cut flowers.