One of the outstanding longtime producers in the Willamette Valley, Raptor Ridge got its start back in 1995 and almost immediately gained national acclaim for their Pinot Noirs. Founder and former 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 has been winemaker now for many years. The wines she makes are consistently great, aiming for freshness and texture. I adored the new 2021 Raptor Ridge ‘Barrel Fermented’ Rose (OB, 91) which is rich and delicious — and would be a perfect foil for turkey at the Thanksgiving table. The best wine I tasted was the sensational 2019 Raptor Ridge
‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is rich and layered with a beautiful core of red fruits with lighter earthy tones. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at http://www.raptorridgewinery.com Here are the beautiful new releases by Raptor Ridge.
2017 Raptor Ridge ‘Estate Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine- An electric new bottle of 100% Pinot Noir sparkling wine, the 2017 ‘Estate Cuvee’ is nuanced and refined — not made for the novice wine drinker. Bright salmonberry and red raspberry notes combine with copious minerals and wet stone on the palate. Very salty and refreshing, enjoy this already nicely evolved beauty with fresh oysters. Drink 2022-2029- 92
2021 Raptor Ridge ‘Vineyard Select’ Pinot Gris- The 2021 ‘Vineyard Select’ Pinot Gris comes from the Dion, Zenith and Logsdon Ridge Vineyards. Aged in stainless steel, this offers bright pear and starfruit tones on the nose, with shades of cardamom. The palate is fresh and nicely textured, showing both flavor density and finesse. Enjoy now while the brightness remains intact. Drink 2022-2025- 91
2021 Raptor Ridge ‘Tuscowallame Estate’ Gruner Veltliner- One of the rare sites in the Willamette Valley for Gruner Veltliner, this 18 acre site is planted on Laurelwood soils. The wine shows a beautiful veil of tension, with sour Gravenstein apple, kiwi and green papaya notes, with copious minerals. Enjoy now! Drink 2022-2026- 91
2021 Raptor Ridge ‘Barrel Fermented’ Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the seriously good 2021 Raptor Ridge ‘Barrel Fermented’ Rose sat for four months in neutral barrels before bottling. The wine is downright delicious with soft red fruits that combine with citrus rind, wet stone and shades of cremini mushroom. Enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2022-2026- 91
2019 Raptor Ridge ‘Estate Whole Cluster’ Pinot Noir- A delicious wine by Shannon Gustafson, the 2019 ‘Estate Whole Cluster’ Pinot Noir comes from the 18 acre Tuscowallame Estate Vineyard. The nose is very fragrant with potpourri notes alongside white pepper and tangy red fruits, with kumquat accents. Very fresh and nicely textured on the mouth, this finishes long with ripe red fruits and creamy accents. Already nicely evolved, enjoy this medium-bodied effort over the next ten plus years. Drink 2022-2032- 92
2019 Raptor Ridge ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The famed Temperance Hill Vineyard is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA and was first planted back in 1999. This bottling shows beautiful aromatic range from salted soils to wild mushroom and Bing cherry notes. The palate is very well-structured, showing gobs of mouth-watering acidity and a smooth mouthfeel upon entry. Loaded with bright red fruits, this beauty has only started getting going — so give it at least an hour in the decanter if consuming now. Drink 2022-2036- 93