I fondly recall the great Raptor Ridge wines of the 2000s. This is a historic brand in Oregon wine that I came to enamor for its consistency. 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.
I loved the new wines that were consistently great. Check out the outstanding 2020 Raptor Ridge ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which is fresh and shows loaded of tension alongside pretty red fruits Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at http://www.raptorridgewinery.com Here are the great new releases by Raptor Ridge.
2020 Raptor Ridge ‘Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2020 Raptor Ridge ‘Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine is entirely sourced from the Chehalem Mountains AVA. It is lifted, showing green apple and strawberry tones on the palate alongside its refined mousse on the palate. Juicy and delicious, with loads of tension, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93
2024 Raptor Ridge Rose- The 2024 Raptor Ridge Rose was sourced from several sites across the Willamette Valley and was stored in neutral oak before bottling. A pretty salmon hue, this offers tart red fruits that mingle well with green apple and shades of salty soils on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91
2024 Raptor Ridge Gruner Veltliner- The outstanding 2024 Gruner Veltliner comes from the Tuscowallame Estate. Kiwi and honeydew melon mingle well with bright pear flavors on the palate. Showing a smooth texture and great sense of salty minerality, enjoy now and over the next several years. Drink 2025-2031- 91
2023 Raptor Ridge ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The really nice 2023 Raptor Ridge ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir is packed full of juicy red fruits that mingle well with orange peel and salty minerals on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90
2023 Raptor Ridge ‘Barrel Select’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Barrel Select’ Pinot Noir spans five of the Willamette Valley AVAs. Dusty soils mingle well with cranberry and red cherry compote on the nose. The palate is packed with guava and tart red fruits that collide with salty and stony soils. Drink 2025-2031- 91
2022 Raptor Ridge ‘Tuscowallame Estate Whole Cluster’ Pinot Noir- Juicy and vibrant the 2022 Raptor Ridge ‘Tuscowallame Estate Whole Cluster’ Pinot Noir is packed full of crunchy red fruits on the palate, with forest floor, pine needles and blood orange zest notes. Fresh and refined, enjoy this elegant beauty now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93