Red Electric Wines

Owner(s) Douglas Ackerman, Michelle Ackerman, John Grochau
Web site www.redelectricwines.com
 
Link to this site
Red Electric Wines

A collaboration between winemaker John Grochau and grape grower Douglas and Michelle Ackerman (Armstrong Vineyard).

Armstrong Vineyard was established by Douglas and Michele Ackerman in 2007. The vineyard has been farmed organically since 2013. The first five years of production, grapes were sold to Cameron, Ayres, Native Flora, Seven of Hearts and Vincent Wine Company.

Reviewed Wines

2019 Red Electric Interurban Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.55, 670 cases, $28. A blend that reflects the entire Armstrong vineyard composed of every block and clone of Pinot Noir in the vineyard. The wine is intended to be more open and immediately enjoyable than the other blends. Aged 18 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 9% new and 20% one-yearold with the remaining 4-years-old or older. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Instantly gratifying in a mid-weight plus style offering inspired aromas of dark red cherry, Marionberry and classic RR bramble. A wine with gracious power, offering flavors of dark cherry and purple and black berry with welcome spice. Easygoing, with tame tannins, wellintegrated oak, and a clean lengthy finish. Still superb when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. (Note: this is one helluva value in premium Pinot Noir!) Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 Red Electric TGV Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.52, 140 cases, $70. A selection of barrels that changes composition every year. It is created through many blending trials. In this vintage, the Dijon clones were the most compelling and this wine is predominantly clone 114 (47%) with the remainder from clone 777 (28%), clone 115 (14%), and small amounts of W denswil (9%) and Pommard (2%). 11% whole cluster. Aged 18 months exclusively in French oak barrels, 17% new, 19% oncefilled and the remaining barrels neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. This wine is more red fruit toned than the Interurban. Aromas of red cherry pie from the oven with added hints of strawberry, spice and lavender. A very cohesive wine with more tannic backbone for aging than the Interurban bottling. Elegantly composed, with bright acidity and a very long cherry-driven finish. Still a little tight when sampled the following day from a previously opened bottle indicating some cellaring is advised. May deserve a bigger score over time. Score: 93. Reviewed February 21, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 Red Electric Armstrong Vineyard Alpine Lily Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Chardonnay

12.8% alc., $25. A blend of all Armstrong Vineyard clones including Mt Eden, l’Espiquette, Musqué and Dijon 76. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of baked pear, white peach, Asian pear, white flowers, toast and graphite lead to flavors that echo the aromas with added citrus (including pineapple) taste. Silky in the mouth, with good richness, quenching crispness and some length on the finish. Impressive, particularly at this modest price. Score: 94. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Red Electric Interurban Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.85% alc., $28. An introduction to the vineyard. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Inviting aromas of dark cherry, earthy flora, spice box and nori. Impressive juiciness in a really lovely, gracious mid-weight style. Captivating flavors of black cherry, dark strawberry and black raspberry with lingering mid palate and finish impression. Very lush and enjoyable. I prefer this wine over The Pulse for drinking right now. Score: 93. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Red Electric Armstrong Vineyard Evening Primrose Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Chardonnay

12.8% alc., $33. An estate blend of all Armstrong Vineyard Chardonnay clones. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Alluring aromas of white stone fruits, lemon blossom, spice and slate. A harmonious blend of citrus and white stone fruits infused with lively acidity. Slightly leaner and crisper than the Alpine Lily Chardonnay. This wine does not make quite the same impression as the Alpine Lily, but is still a terrific Chardonnay. Score: 93. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Red Electric The Pulse Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.72% alc., $50. A barrel selection. · Light garnet color in the glass. Rather shy initially, more giving over time to reveal aromas of red cherry and underbrush. Light in style yet quite flavorful, offering flavors of dark red cherry, red raspberry and spice. Infused with acid-driven energy and the slightest oak. Very forward drinking in a feminine style, exhibiting admirable harmony and finishing with generous, nimble fruit. Score: 92. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Red ElectricTGV Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.92% alc., $70. A special occasion barrel selection wine only produced in exceptional vintages. A little more percentage of whole cluster and new oak is used in production. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Clearly a step up in quality. Very tantalizing aromas of deep red cherry and berry, exotic spices and rose petal. A high-collared, mid-weight plus wine that oozes class. Perfectly ripened fruit flavors of black cherry, red and purple berry and a touch of spice. Lively, refreshing acidity and enough weighty tannins to carry the wine for years. The most serious and age worthy 2018 Red Electric offering. Score: 95. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2016 Red Electric Armstrong Vineyard Interurban Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.77% alc., 300 cases, $28. 12% whole cluster fermentation. Natural yeast fermentation. 25% Pommard, 20% 777, 20% 115, 20$ 667 and 2% Wädenswil. Aged in French oak barrels, 5% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of black cherry, rose and damp earth. Light to mid weight nucleus of earth-kissed cherry and red candy flavors. Juicy acidity, with silky tannins and well-mannered oak. Score: 90. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Red Electric Armstrong Vineyard The Pulse Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.79% alc., 200 cases, $50. 9 special barrels consisting of 30% Wädenswil, 30% 115, 10% 667, 10% Pommard and 10% 114. Natural yeast fermentation, 18% whole cluster. Aged in French oak barrels, 15% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. A mix of dark cherry and berry are offered on the nose and on the palate in a mid weight style. A thread of dried herbs and botanical input add interest. Very good energy, with a modestly firm tannic backbone and a chewy finish. Score: 92. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Red Electric Armstrong Vineyard TGV Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.74% alc., 100 cases, $70. Only made in special vintages. 4 special barrels. Natural yeast fermentation, 25% whole cluster, aged in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose opens slowly over time in the glass, revealing opulent aromas of dark red and black fruits. Delicious dark red and black cherry and black raspberry flavors envelope the palate. A classy wine that is nicely composed, with lively acidity, suede tannins and a persistent finish filled with cherry delight. Somewhat reserved, and deserving of more time in the cellar. Score: 93. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Red Electric Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 120 cases, $50. Inaugural release. This wine is a collaboration between winemaker John Grochau and grape grower Douglas Ackerman. The vineyard has sedimentary soils and is meticulously farmed. Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil, and Dijon 667, 777 and 115. 20% whole cluster and native yeast fermentation. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 18% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of black cherry and sandalwood. Mid weight flavors of black cherry and Marionberry are vibrant and easy going. Very satisfying, in a sleek and polished style with a silky texture, a hint of complimentary oak barrel seasoning, and some finishing length. Score: 93. Reviewed May 10, 2018 ARTICLE »

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