The oldest true Gamay vines in the Willamette Valley. Huge juicy cherry, spectacularly fresh and vibrant, with the edgy/crunchy splendor that great Gamay can provide. New to Gamay? Give this a test run and you'll become an instant fan. - Marcus
Vivid, vibrant, and deep, the purple-garnet color hints at the complex blackberry, plum, cherry and pomegranate mélange on the palate. The fruit is accented
by signature high-wire acid levels and spices galore, ranging from white to black pepper and brown baking spices and cedar elements; threads of basil herb, cigar,
and dark-grained bread are interwoven with restrained tannin, giving it three-dimensionality. Intriguing black and blue fruits are elevated by a bright, fresh tension, giving it an elegance and balance that lead us to believe it has the potential to age for some years.
When we first set foot on Ribbon Ridge nearly 40 years ago, we knew it was something special. There was an indefinable magic to the place, in the lowslung, rolling hills that rise and fall like the breath of a slumbering child. It was undeniably alive, and bursting with potential.
In 1980 folks thought we were just plain nuts to plant wine grapes on that chilly rise located on the western edge of the Willamette Valley. The common thought at
the time was that the site was situated too far west for grapes - too windy, too foggy, too cool.
We naively followed our gut, planting the first vineyard on what would one day become one of the premier wine appellations in Oregon, the Ribbon Ridge AVA.
Ridgecrest Vineyards did not disappoint. Early barrel samples were encouraging. We studied it, continued
to plant, and dug deeply.
After 34 harvests at Chehalem and 17 years crafting our cellar-worthy RR wines, we know these vineyards – the ins and outs, strengths, and peculiarities of each and every block. We’ve done our homework.
Now, it’s recess. We’re ready to come out and play.
Our new Ridgecrest label allows us to do just that – to experiment with all of those blocks, lots, and barrels that beg our attention every harvest – the ones we are
loathe to blend with others, because they are just so damned intriguing. Pinot Noir will be the mainstay of the Ridgecrest label, with supporting roles played by
Grüner Veltliner and Gamay.