Ridgecrest Estate Gamay Noir 2023

Taste
Flashy and expressive in the glass, this Gamay Noir shows a deep purple-to-ruby garnet hue. Aromas leap out with graphite, cigar box, violet, and cherry cola. The palate is rich yet energetic, layered with Bing cherry, raspberry, pomegranate seed, and cherry syrup, woven together with savory notes of toasted brown bread, tree bark, and pine straw. Chewy, dusty tannins and bright acidity create tension and structure, finishing long with a ferrous, earthy edge that softens beautifully over time.

About the Winery / Winemaker
Crafted in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, this Gamay comes from a mix of old and young vines planted in 1985 and 2019. The wine is aged entirely in neutral French oak to preserve purity and site expression. Winemaker Wynne leans into Gamay’s natural energy and savory side, favoring texture, lift, and honest structure over gloss.

Why We Love It
This is Gamay with swagger. It’s bright, wild, and incredibly versatile—just as happy slightly chilled by the pool as it is next to a burger or pizza. The savory undertones give it depth, while the acidity keeps it endlessly drinkable. With only 183 cases produced, this is a blink-and-you-miss-it bottle we love turning people on to.

Vintage Notes (2023)
After several extreme vintages, 2023 felt like a return to balance. Warm but measured conditions led to strong vineyard health, lower disease pressure, and fruit with exceptional quality. Harvest began earlier than average, with slightly reduced yields and excellent concentration—an “average” year that quietly became something special.

Technical Wine Notes

• Origin: Ribbon Ridge AVA, Oregon

• Vintage: 2023

• Varietal: Gamay Noir

• Clones: 221, 282, 284

• Vine Age: 16% old vine (planted 1985), 84% young vine (planted 2019)

• Aging: 10 months in 100% neutral French oak

• Alcohol: 13.1% ABV

• pH: 3.5

• Total Acidity: 6.2 g/L

• Production: 183 cases

• Release: April 2025

• Drinking Window: Now–2036+