Goose Ridge is one of those wineries that few people know about, despite receiving acclaim from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast for more than a decade. My first visit to the winery was in 2008. The winery is located in a remote part of Columbia Valley, outside of Richland. . . literally out in the middle of nowhere. Goose Ridge’s estate vineyards literally extend for miles and miles out there amongst wheat fields and farms. If you ever have a chance to visit the winery and are looking for some peace and quiet while tasting, this is the spot for you.
More recently the winery has chosen a Woodinville location for another tasting room option. I recently had the chance to taste some of their wines, and was impressed by their releases. Many of their wines have been aged, so they are drinking good right now and won’t require more bottle age. You can find some Goose Ridge wines at Costco and many of their wines at Northwest wine shops. Here are some of the impressive current releases from Goose Ridge Winery.
2011 Goose Ridge Chardonnay- Rich oaky nose, aged 10 months in oak. Pinapple and crème brulee on the nose. Palate has crème brulee, pineapple, pear and nice acidity. Drink now. -91
2012 Goose Ridge Riesling- 1.8% Residual sugar with pear and cantaloupe on the nose. Bright flavors of pear and golden delicious. Acid structure is lighter and would like this to be more vibrant in terms of acidity. -89
2009 Goose Ridge Cabernet- Plum and red cherry on the nose. Delicious and deep palate with black cherry, anise, blackberry and vanilla. Tasty stuff, drink now. -91
2010 Goose Ridge Merlot- Cedar and plum on the nose with red cherry and toasted oak. Flavors of black cherry, black olive and raspberry on the palate, combine with nice acidity. Drink now. -91
2010 Goose Ridge Syrah- Dark color with smoked meats and cassis on the nose. Palate has black cherry, blackberry, smoked meats, anise and tar. Delicious, drink now. -92
2009 Goose Ridge Viero- Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah blend, with almost equal parts of each. Red bell pepper, blackberry and oak on the expressive nose. Palate has anise, blueberry, roasted figs and chocolate. Really classy blend, drink now. -92
2009 Goose Ridge Malbec- Powerful nose with blackberry, anise and oak. Palate has blueberry, white pepper and red cherry. Would pass for a heavier Merlot. Drink now. -91