Today we share an outstanding Willamette Valley producer that dates all the way back to 1995. It was a very fast process that Raptor Ridge gained national acclaim for their Pinot Noirs. I fondly recall enjoying their early 2000s bottlings with friends. Founder and self-taught winemaker Scott Shull made beautiful wines from the winery’s inception, having learned by doing, reading, and attending extension service courses on viticulture and enology offered by U.C. Davis and Oregon State University.
Head winemaker Shannon Gustafson has now been at the helm for several years. I love the wines that she craft, which focus on texture and minerality. Don’t miss out on the 2022 Raptor Ridge Rose (OB, 92) which is very fresh and fragrant. I adored the new2018 Raptor Ridge ‘Estate Cuvee Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which is 100% Pinot Noir showing a great nuance with salty and stony tones. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at http://www.raptorridgewinery.com Here are the beautiful new releases by Raptor Ridge.
2018 Raptor Ridge ‘Estate Cuvee Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- This beautiful Brut Rose as extensive time on the lees before disgorgement in January 2023. Coming from the Harbinger Vineyard, this utilizes fruit from Block 1 which is a slightly cooler location. Given 3G/L dosage, this 100% Pinot Noir offers sourdough bread and peaches on the nose alongside shades of red raspberry and damp salty soils. The palate is dense and also maintains a great underlying freshness with a very pure core of red fruits. This is impossible to resist now at the five year mark. Drink 2023-2029- 92
2022 Raptor Ridge Rose- The 2022 Raptor Ridge Rose comes from a range of sites across the Willamette Valley and saw three months in neutral oak before bottling. A vibrant pink color, this offers good density and richness from the barrel ferment. Suggestions of enoki mushroom collide with guava and Yakima cherry fruits on the palate. Complex and delicious, enjoy this outstanding Rose now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2023-2029- 92
2022 Raptor Ridge Gruner Veltliner- One of the unique wines that you will find in the Willamette Valley, this 2022 Gruner Veltliner comes from the Tuscowallame Estate which was planted in three phases from 2000 to 2007. The underlying finesse is outstanding as green apple and green papaya flavors that mingle well with a smooth texture on the palate. You are going to love this wine that would pair marvelously with sushi. Drink 2023-2028- 91
2021 Raptor Ridge ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- Coming mostly from the Atticus and Tuscowallame Estate Vineyards, the 2021 Raptor Ridge ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir offers a smooth texture with forward and juicy red fruits with citrus rind and cigar box flavors. Enjoy this excellent value now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2023-2028- 91