Ridgecrest Estate Pinot Noir 2021

Winery Overview
Ridgecrest Vineyards, established in 1980, was the first vineyard planted on what would later become the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Founded by Harry Peterson-Nedry and his family, it was a pioneering effort in an area considered too far west, too windy, too foggy, and too cool for grape cultivation at the time. Planted on a small ridge of ocean sedimentary soils, Ridgecrest has since become one of the foremost vineyards in the Willamette Valley. The vineyard is known for producing grapes with a sought-after level of intensity, proving that Harry's vision and determination were well-founded.

Wine Profile
- Appellation: Ribbon Ridge
- Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
- Vintage: 2021
- Alcohol: 13.4%
- Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L
- pH: 3.51
- Production: 420 Cases
- Release Date: September 2023

Tasting Notes
Winemaker's Notes: "Bright and translucent, with a jewel-quality deep ruby color. Magnificent aroma with accents of cigar box, charred wood, iron, bright bing cherry, graham cracker, and burnt orange. Light on palate initially, with freshness and a mineral-driven juicy core of fruit. The length shows additional complexity and depth, smooth like gelato, with dusty summer berry firmness and texture, finishing with dried flowers, Five Spice, and black currant."

Winemaking Process
- Oak Aging: 9 months in French Oak (17% new, 50% 1-year, 33% neutral)

Vintage Notes
2021 was a moderate vintage despite heat spikes (up to 116°F). Harvest began the third earliest in two decades, ending in less than a month on October 5th. A welcome rain in mid-September occurred after most grapes were picked. The vintage is characterized by full ripeness and generally very good acidity, potentially resembling 2018 in concentration and 2008 in crop yield.

Accolades
- Wine Enthusiast*: 92 points
- Vinous: 92 points - "Rich blend of brown spice, peppery raspberry, and cocoa dusting. Softly textured with cooling acidity and crisply wild berry fruits. Finishes with rosy inner florals and remarkably fresh, perfumed throughout." - Eric Guido, January 2024
- Wine Spectator: 90 points - "Handsome and well-structured, with plum and boysenberry flavors accented by black tea and forest floor. Ends with medium-grained tannins." - Tim Fish

Winemaker's Philosophy
The winemaker describes this as their "flagship Estate Pinot Noir," emphasizing the quality and concentration achieved in the 2021 vintage. They note that while quantity was slightly less, the quality in the bottle is paramount.