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Ridgecrest Vineyards Our oldest estate vineyard, Ridgecrest is a 55-acre vineyard on a 176-acre property located on Ribbon Ridge, a small ridge at the western end of the Chehalem Range and Valley. Beginning in 1980, this site pioneered grapegrowing on Ribbon Ridge, and is now joined by Beaux Frères, Brick House, Adelsheim, Archery Summit and others.

Soils are Willakenzie, a transition soil series exhibiting characteristics of both volcanic and sedimentary underlying structures. Soil characteristics are silty, clay loam, moderate in soil depth and water retention; friable, not excessively rich, basalt and sandstone/siltstone rock as a base.

Wine characteristics in Pinot noir for Willakenzie soil are big, briary, sweet, black-fruited aromas and flavors, with emphasis on raspberry, blackberry, black cherry, cassis and hints of dusty chocolate, in a style reminiscent of the Cotes de Nuits. Excellent acidity and a finesseful texture and finish are also hallmarks of the vineyard site, being relatively high in elevation, (south-sloping at the 400-600 foot elevation level), mature in vine age, and deeply rooted.

Land purchased:

1980

Vineyard beginning:

1982

First harvest:

1985

Owner:

Harry Peterson-Nedry, Limited Partners

Location:

Newberg, Oregon

Plantings:

Pinot Noir -- 38.1 acres
Pinot Gris -- 8.0 acres
Gruner Veltliner -- 2.2 acres
Gamay Noir -- 1.5 acres
Riesling -- 4.1 acres

Clones:

Pinot noir: 50% Pommard, 25% Dijon,
25% Wädenswil
Riesling 9,12,W21, Entav 49, GM 198, 239

Acreage:

176 acres, 80 plantable acres

Soil composition:

Willakenzie

Density:

725 to 2060 vines per acre

Elevation:

420' to 640'