Though Harry Peterson-Nedry decided to change his winery's name because the new local AVA (American Viticultural Area) has the same moniker, this estate is one readers are well-advised to follow.
Though light in color and potentially an early drinker (two traits that are common for 2004 Oregon Pinots), the 2004 Pinot Noir RR Ridgecrest Vineyards is outstanding. Its superb aromatics display Asian spices, red cherries, plums, and candied black cherries. This medium to full-bodied effort is rich, dense, well-balanced, and sappy. A concentrated wine, it boasts considerable cherry-dominated fruit in its long character. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.
The powerful aromas of the 2003 Pinot Noir RR Ridgecrest Vineyards expose creamy red cherries, zesty black cherries, and candied blackberries. A concentrated, medium to full-bodied effort, it boasts a structured character replete with peppery, spicy red as well as black cherries. It should be enjoyed between 2008 and 2013.
Harry Peterson-Nedry, one of the founding partners of Chehalem, is the sole owner of this winery. Located on the crest of Ribbon Ridge, outside of Newburg, its 37 acres of vineyards (Ridgecrest) have long been the source of some of Chehalem’s finest wines. His vineyard having attained maturity (the vines are now 24 years old), Peterson-Nedry has decided to launch his own private label. The 2002 Pinot Noir is a superb debut. Medium to dark ruby-colored it offers aromatic as well as flavor profiles packed with lush blackberries, assorted dark fruit, and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, this is a big, dense, powerful Pinot of considerable concentration, depth , and length. A slight trace of alcoholic warmth can be discerned in its finish. Projected maturity: 2006-2014.
Bright red. Vibrant, fresh scents of wild red berries, underbrush and anise. A silky midweight, with bright raspberry and strawberry flavors underpinned by zesty acids and very fine, dusty tannins. Suave, focused and long on the finish, with notes of concentrated, bright red fruit.
Dark red. Deep dark berry and cherry aromas. Rich and thick, with dark berry flavors complemented by a whiff of dark chocolate. Finishes with a higher-toned, brighter berry quality, picking up some floral notes with aeration.
Medium red. Ripe strawberry aroma, with hints of mocha and cocoa powder. Fat and mouthfilling, with the concentrated, ripe red berry flavors nicely complemented by oak spice. Finishes with good length and subtle tannic bite, the spicy notes becoming stronger and the strawberry returning.
A deftly oaked and very ripe as well as highly expressive nose of elegant red, blue and violet pinot aromas nuanced by hints of oak spice and anise merges into rich, full, sweet and mouth coating flavors that manage to retain a lovely sense of detail and solid overall balance though there is noticeable finishing warmth on the persistent finish. This is a generous yet relatively refined effort with good punch and freshness and the warmth isn't really enough to detract from the sense of harmony though neither is it invisible. Drink: 2009+ (Issue 24)
A high-toned, rather mentholated nose of earthy dark berry fruit aromas lead to very ripe plum and mocha-infused flavors that are rich, full and sweet while possessing ample volume and solid length. This is not a particularly elegant wine and certainly not in the league of the terrific 2002 but it carries its elevated alcohol surprisingly well as the balance is actually quite good. While this could be approached now, it will benefit from 2 to 3 years in the cellar. Drink: 2008+ (Issue 20)
Elegant, pure and beautifully detailed high-toned red fruit aromas merge into complex and exceptionally spicy medium full flavors that display under tones of licorice and clove. There is abundant midpalate sap to buffer the robust, powerful and tight tannins yet this is a highly seductive effort as the finish possesses a dust and a velvet quality. This is a first rate effort with outstanding concentration with just a hint of finishing warmth. 92/2008+ Allan Meadows. Drink: 2008+
Lithe and open-textured. A lovely mouthful of red plum, blackberry and white pepper flavors that linger against modest, crisp tannins. Best from 2007 through 2014. 540 cases made. (HS Nov 30, 2006)
Raw, tart and spicy, packed with raspberry, mulberry and floral flavors that just don't quit. Needs time to soften and flesh itself out, but has all the elements to be something special. Best from 2007 through 2012. 450 cases made. (HS)
Harry Peterson-Nedry • RR
Winery
21080 NE Ribbon Ridge Road • Newberg, OR 97232
(503) 706-9277 • (503) 537-0850 FAX
harrypn@ribbonridgewinery.com