This wine's first restaurant glass pour in the world is at Le Pigeon. That's a hell of a debut! We love the density and exuberant fruit; it's a big mouthful of Pinot. Old-vine pedigree shines through with class and power. - Marcus
"Youthful, bright and pedigreed; deep purple-red core, with floral-rose, spice and pepper aromatics; supple red fruit, plum, restrained oak flavors, with a slash of
Worcestershire, suspended freshly and tightly on a texturally exciting mid-palate of velour-like tannins; well-rounded three-dimensional red fruit with extra layers of dark fruit extending front-to-back seamlessly, with no palate breaks and, although tight, bright and needing time, ending with that classic elegance for which Ribbon Ridge is heralded.
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." - the winery