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1997 Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir

(updated 11/22/99)

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The Wine

This wine is one of only two vineyard-designated Pinot noirs we do, Ridgecrest being the original vineyard started by us in 1980, on Ribbon Ridge of the Chehalem Mountain range. Characteristically black-fruited and brawny, this vineyard gives elegance and finesse at the same time, and benefits from aging. In 1997, you will see black cherry, raspberry and currant fruits with excellent balance and a firm fine tannin structure.

There are strong arguments in the winery that 1997 is superior to 1996 and possibly the most elegant since 1993. The bright, supple black cherry and blackberry fruit are characteristic of Ridgecrest and the Willakenzie soil type. The 1997 exhibits amazing silky texture even at its young age, and has the acidity and fine tannin structure to age long and gracefully. It has major components from our oldest plantings there, the first time we've been able to return this elegant fruit to Ridgecrest since we began making our Rion Reserve (other blocks are now able to share the load). It shows! Silky, long and packed, this is a texturally sensual wine showing the maturity of its source.

Bottled mid-November, so needs time for full potential to surface.

NOTES: THE CHEHALEM STYLE FOR PINOT NOIR IS ONE OF ELEGANCE, COMPLEXITY AND TEXTURAL WEIGHT AND SUPPLENESS, NOT ONE OF HIGH EXTRACTION, BIG FRUIT AND TANNIN. THE RIDGECREST AND STOLLER DESIGNATES ARE CONCENTRATED, BUT RETAIN ELEGANCE. RIDGECREST IS THE HIGEST ALTITUDE VINEYARD, THE LATEST RIPENING AND THE HIGHEST IN ACIDITY. ACCORDINGLY, IT OPENS SLOWLY BUT IS A LONG, FINESSEFUL, FOCUSED AGER.

Stats

Pommard (63%) and Wadenswil clones (37%) Harvested 9/30-10/8/97 @20.5-22.5 brix, 6.5-7.8 acid and 3.13-3.29pH; fermented with 2 yeasts (BRG & 254) in 4 fermentations, after 5-9 day pre-maceration of 50-60% wholeberries; half chaptalized 1-1.5 brix, 3% saignee, one lot pectolytic enzyme; no post maceration; aged for 10 months without racking in 29% new/60%new + 1year French oak (5 coopers, approx equal ratio); 3 micron pad filtered for clarity. Bottled 11/13/98 @ 0.02% residual sugar, 12.4% alcohol, 5.6 g/l acid, 3.55pH. 959 cases made.

Quotes

Wine & Spirits, April 2000: 87, Elegant red fruit flavors hold through this wine in a clean, direct line. It is light and soft, but there's an underlying fresh presence that will add depth to light fish dishes, or to a mushroom omelette.

Wine Spectator, April 30, 2000: 84, a pretty, straightforward pinot, with strawberry and plum aromas and flavors on a fine-textured frame.

Northwest Palate, September/October, 1999: Recommended. Light garnet color with aromas of cherry and cinnamon. Medium-bodied on the palate with fresh, juicy, cherry fruit flavors. Bright and refreshing; enjoy now with broiled salmon steaks.

Oregon Pinot Noir Club, August, 1999 (Bob Wolfe): ...big, black fruit flavors with that hint of rich loam that accompanies so many wines from the Willakenzie district... fruit is quite juicy and forward, but there's also some nice structure.

Atwater's Restaurant (Portland, OR), May 22, 1999: 8^th place of 42 judged pinots for 1997 Pinot Noir Dinner.