Long before I was reviewing wines professionally I had admired those made at Raptor Ridge. A massive amount of winemaking talent has moved through those doors, including their outstanding winemaker Shannon Gustafson. Raptor Ridge is a historic Oregon house that is crafting some seriously good wines. Founded back in 1995, Raptor Ridge almost immediately gained national acclaim for their Pinot Noirs. Founder and co-winemaker, Scott Shull, first started making terroir driven wines in 1995. Originally from Missouri, Scott is a self-taught winemaker, having learned by doing, reading, and attending extension service courses on viticulture and enology offered by U.C. Davis and Oregon State University.
Shannon Gustafson, combines with Scott Shull to make a great team. Shannon previously made wine out of Paso Robles, CA before working harvests in McLaren Vale and then coming on as winemaker for Hawks View winery in Oregon. She has served as Raptor Ridge winemaker for several years now. I adored her new wines which include a killer new bubbles, the 2016 Raptor Ridge ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which is linear and shows a soft texture with pretty red fruits. I adored the 2018 Raptor Ridge ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Gris (OB, 92) which shows remarkable range for the varietal. Even better is the gorgeous 2017 Raptor Ridge ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which has fantastic salty terroir. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at http://www.raptorridgewinery.com Here are the great new releases by Raptor Ridge.
2016 Raptor Ridge ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- The 2016 ‘Brut Rose’ saw some extended tirage time before being released. The biscuit tones mingle with sour red fruits and shades of pomengrate seed that all take shape in the glass. The seamless texture is really nice as bright red fruits collide with earthy and orange rind tones. Drink 2021-2031- 92
2018 Raptor Ridge ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Gris- The 2018 Raptor Ridge Pinot Gris shows off pretty honeysuckle tones alongside white peach and pink grapefruit blossom. The palate is fresh, vibrant and impeccably textured. Layers of pretty orchard fruits mingle with kumquat and shades of baking spices on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that has some good aging potential. Drink 2021-2026- 92
2015 Raptor Ridge ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- A considerably later release wine, the 2015 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir shows soft red fruits that dance with a touch of cola and orange zest. With more air the earthy undertones and gentle texture add to the enjoyment. Really in a good spot now, enjoy over the next five to seven years. Drink 2021-2026- 91
2017 Raptor Ridge ‘Tuscowallame Estate’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Tuscowaallame Estate’ is an indigenous term named after the place where owls reside. Blood orange rind and red cherry candy tones mingle with shades of peat moss on the nose. The soft texture entices as rich red fruits dance with minerals, smoke and shades of wild mushroom on the palate. With good length this outstanding wine is singing now at the four year mark and will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2021-2029- 92
2017 Raptor Ridge ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’Pinot Noir- The ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ is a storied, higher elevation site in the Eola-Amity Hills, farmed by Dal Crisp. Once on the nose this takes on layers of tart pomegranate seed and orange rind alongside damp earthy undertones. The palate is fresh and marvelously terroir-driven with its salty undertones. The freshness and rich red fruit profile impresses here with lighter suggestions of white truffle shavings that all meld together. With beautiful length, this outstanding new Eola-Amity Hills. Bottling will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2033- 93
2018 Raptor Ridge ‘Barrel Select’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 Raptor Ridge ‘Barrel Select’ Pinot Noir is an outstanding new release wine that is showing brilliantly now at the three year mark. Sourced from their estate vineyard as well as several other sites across the Willamette Valley, this shows rich red and dark fruits alongside Mandarin orange zest and baking spices on the palate. Already quite evolved now, enjoy this great value over the next five to seven years. Drink 2021-2026- 91