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2003 Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir

(updated May 1, 2006)

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Chehalem 2003 Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir

The Wine

This wine is the oldest of the three vineyard-designated Pinot noirs we produce. Chehalem has made a Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir since its first release in 1990, with selected barrels going to an upper-end elegant Reserve from Ridgecrest, since 1994, and any not measuring up to this standard being designated 3 Vineyard. It is characteristically brawny, briery, dusty black-fruited, and occasionally currant or cassis, hallmarks of Ribbon Ridge wines. Deep sweet fruit has been balanced with fine tannin structure in recent years, which, with good acidic structure, gives good ageability.

The Vineyard

Our oldest estate vineyard, Ridgecrest is a 37-acre vineyard on a 72-acre property. Beginning in 1980, this site pioneered grapegrowing on Ribbon Ridge, a small ridge on the western end of the Chehalem Range. Soils are Willakenzie, a transition soil series exhibiting characteristics of both volcanic and sedimentary underlying structures, marine sediment being predominant. Supple black cherry and blackberry fruits are characteristic of Ridgecrest Vineyards and the Willakenzie soil series. Excellent acidity and a finesseful texture and finish are hallmarks of the vineyard site, being relatively high in elevation, mature in vine age and deeply rooted. Very ageable wines.

The Vintage

This is an excellent vintage, albeit unusual in the fiery nature of the growing season. The same dry and warm growing and ripening seasons held for 2003 as with the past few vintages, only more so, with Region II (not cool climate!) heat accumulations of 2500 units, average highs of 78F July-October and half the normal rainfall with 2.75 inches. Fruit was disease free, crop loads were easily honed to desired levels, and soil moisture was adequate due to good pre-season winter rains. Concerns of the vintage center on high sugars, with resultant high alcohols, and low acids. Almost comparable past vintages like the excellent 1992 may urge us not to worry.

Stats

Harvest Data:

Harvested 10/4-6/2003, harvested at 2.05-2.56 tons/acre @24.3-25.7 brix, 4.9-5.4 g/L acid and 3.26-3.45 pH

Fermentation:

Fermented with predominantly native yeasts in fermentations of 12-17 days total skin contact, with 7-10 days of that pre-maceration; pectolytic enzyme used for uniform extraction; minor post maceration; average 15% whole cluster

Cooperage/Aging:

Aged for 10 months without racking in 50% new oak, 78% new or one year French oak

Clonal Selection:

Pommard (84%) and Wadenswil clones (16%)

Bottling:

Bottled 9/17/2004

Bottling Analyses:

15.4 % Alcohol, 3.58 pH, 5.6 g/l acid

Cases Produced:

420

Suggested Retail:

$39

Release Date:

October, 2004

Winemaker's Comments

Typical Ridgecrest, only moreso. Strong impressions of black fruit and a firm, ageable structure dominate this wine, with deep, deep red and black color and fruit saturation. A dusty, raspberry and blackberry fruit set of aromas and flavors, with a fine pepper and brown spice impression from whole cluster components. Hints of blue fruit and a dark bittersweet chocolate make for dark complexity. Fine tannin, lovely, luxurious weight on the palate and excellent structure make this classic Ridgecrest in a big and ageable way. Balanced in a potentially imbalanced year.

Quotes

Pinot Report, December 15, 2005: 92. Medium-deep ruby purple color; intense, rich aromas of black cherry, berry, chocolate, and earth; rich black cherry and berry flavors, juicy fruit, spicy oak with some chocolate notes; good structure and balance; long finish. This Pinot is rich and delicious, with forward fruit but layers and layers of complexity beneath it.

The Wine Advocate, June 2006, Pierre Rovani: 86. Appealing aromas of dark cherries immersed in spices are found in the nose... This firm, tannic, brooding wine has impressive fruit... blackberries, dark cherries, and pepper are found in this foursquare effort's character.

International Wine Cellar, May/June 2005, “Focus on Oregon Pinot Noir,” Josh Raynolds: 89. Bright red. High pitched vibrant red berry and subtle oak spices on the nose…Tangy strawberry and ripe raspberry flavors, with fresh, strong acidity emphasizing the vivid red fruit. Very pretty, elegant pinot…

Northwest Palate, July/August 2005: Recommended. Graham and black cherry aromas. Lively on the palate with black cherry fruit and a warm finish…