ARTISTRY AND EXCEPTIONAL TERROIR
Ampère late harvest, high-elevation wines convey the true expression of the Pine Mountain terroir, our high-elevation farming practices, and the artistry of winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. Our vineyard, located northeast of Cloverdale on the upper western flank of Pine Mountain, sits at an elevation of 2,200 to 2,800 feet and delivers fruit intense in color and flavor.
The Ampère Story
Like any real life story, Ampère wines owe their existence to a convergence of many independent threads. Here, we would like to mention the following two stories, which became intertwined through apparent serendipity and made possible the implausible story of Ampère wines, the stories of Pine Mountain Vineyards proprietor Hien Nguyen and winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown…
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2010 Ampère
92 PTS – Impressive Debut
“The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Pine Mountain Vineyards is striking in its aromatics and bright, chiseled fruit. Dark red cherries, mocha, plums, mint, new leather and cedar open up as the 2010 shows off its hugely appealing personality. Floral and lifted, yet also wonderfully expressive, the 2010 is all about balance. The new oak is a bit prominent in this vintage, but the 2010 is nevertheless an impressive debut.”
Antonio Galloni
Vinous
2011 Ampère
93 PTS – Lovely depth; very strong showing
“Dark red and purple stone fruits, spices, menthol, new leather and licorice meld together in the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Pine Mountain Vineyards. There is lovely depth in the dark blue/purplish fruit, along with hints of graphite, lavender and spice that add complexity. This is a very strong showing, especially for the year.”
Antonio Galloni
Vinous
2012 Ampère – not yet released
93 PTS – Voluptuous
“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Pine Mountain Vineyards is the raciest and most voluptuous of the wines I tasted. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, menthol and spices flesh out in a large-scaled, generous wine built on pure texture. In 2012, there is a bit less mountain character and tannin, but in exchange, the wine will drink well pretty much right out of the gate. There is no shortage of vintage 2012 explosiveness and raciness. This fruit was brought in on October 7.”
Antonio Galloni
Vinous
Latest from Our Blog
The Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
The Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown Thomas is one of the most celebrated winemakers in California, as evidenced by the extraordinary ratings, awards and accolades he has received from industry luminaries.[…]
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