In a multitude of languages, ama means “love, being of love, a Japanese female diver, grandmother, and land or place.” The last definition is pertinent as ama means “land or place” in the Kashaya language of the Pomo people. The Pomo thrived in our region of the Pacific Coast for millennia. They named the knoll on the vineyard “where scallops lie”. We are focused on making wines that speak of a place, mainly, our vineyard. Best showcasing that voice is our goal as wine growers and winemakers. By the 2009 vintage, we felt the more recently planted blocks were revealing a distinct expression of Peay Vineyards Pinot noir and deserved to be elevated to a vineyard designate named, Ama.

Stylistically, Ama fits in between the muscle of Pomarium and the intellect of Scallop Shelf. The cuvée more directly speaks the language of Pinot noir; cherries, minerals, spice, smoke. There is a guaranteed hedonic response to this wine. It has grace, elegance and harmony but it is not shy or ethereal. Though Scallop Shelf and Pomarium are blends from many blocks and clones, Ama is a little bit more block driven as it is 80-90% from two blocks we planted in our second large planting in 2003. 

The Ama Estate Pinot is the bottle we grab when heading out to pour for self-professed Pinot noir lovers. It has seductive and captivating strawberry rhubarb, lavender, and cherry fruit aromas that leap from the glass. These fruit and floral notes are echoed on the palate framed by mineral/ink and spice flavors finishing with silky tannins and fresh, energetic acidity. This is a graceful, seamless wine full of pleasure.

Wine Advocate Review:
The 2021 Estate Pinot Noir Ama is powerful and perfumed this vintage. It offers aromas broody aromas of red and black cherries and aniseed with top notes of saline and citrus peel. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with generous berry fruit and floral accents, and it has a long, spicy finish. Anticipated Maturity: 2024-2034