Dec 30, 2022
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Raptor Ridge Winery
| Owner(s) | Annie Shull, Scott Shull |
| Web site | www.raptoridge.com |
| Link to this site |
Raptor Ridge is a specialist in Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris located in a modern winery facility and tasting room in Newberg, Oregon adjacent the 18-acre estate vineyard. Owner and winemaker Scott Shull founded Raptor Ridge in 1995 and crafted early vintages in a renovated horse barn next to his home. As his business expanded, he added his wife Annie as Co-Owner and Sales and Marketing Director in 2000 and wine production was moved off property into a number of shared winery spaces. A new winery 9,400-square-foot winery was opened in 2010 allowing production on the 27-acre estate property.
Wines are crafted from the Estate Vineyard (named "Tuscowallame," the indigenous word for "where the owls dwell") as well as eleven well-known winegrowers including Harbinger Vineyard, Hawk's View Vineyard, Shaw Vineyard, and Arbor Vert Vineyard (Chehalem Mountains), Gran Moraine Vineyard, Shea Vineyard and Yamhill Springs Vineyard (Yamhill-Carlton AVA), Bellevue Cross Vineyard, Meredith Mitchell Vineyard and Stony Mountain Vineyard (McMinnville AVA). The first harvest from the Estate Vineyard, which is primarily planted to Pinot Noir, was 2006. The name of the winery relates to birds of prey that share the property.
Scott Shull is still a consultant for the Intel Corporation where he coordinates ecological strategies. He favors richly flavored Pinot Noirs showing both deep red and blue fruit flavors. The wines have received considerable praise in the wine press. Current production is about 6,500 cases, 10% of which is estate grown. Raptor Ridge is a strong supporter of Salud The Oregon Wine Auction, donating 10 cents for every bottle of its wine sold to Salud for vineyard worker health care. Scott and Annie Shull are the first winery to employ this admirable practice.
The tasting room with sweeping views of Mount Hood, Adams and St. Helens is open seasonally and by appointment. The address is 18700 SW Hillsboro Hwy and the phone is 503-887-5595. The wines are available on the website and through limited retail distribution.
Articles About Raptor Ridge Winery
More Sips of Noiregon Pinot (7.2 9/15/2008)
More Sips of Oregon Pinot Noir (7.23 8/17/2009)
Pinot Briefs (8.9 1/22/2010)
Pinot Briefs (10.10 5/11/2015)
Pinot Briefs (8.25 11/7/2010)
Raptor Ridge Winery (9.42 5/25/2014)
Sips of Oregon Pinot Noir (9.18 1/19/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (9.34 12/17/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (10.12 6/14/2015)
Sips of Recently Tasted White Wines (10.12 6/14/2015)
Tasting the Six Appellations with Grape Radio (7.7 12/17/2008)
Reviewed Wines
2014 Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
13.5% alc., $20, screwcap. Whole cluster pressed,
fermented in stainless steel tanks.
·
Very light yellow color in the glass. A crisp, clean wine that offers lemon,
grapefruit, lychee and floral scents that are echoed on the palate with added notes of pear and yellow apple.
Thoroughly satisfying, with good balance and brightness.
Score: 88.
Reviewed June 14, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Raptor Ridge Estate Chehalem Mountains Gruüner Veltliner
12.5% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.56, <101 cases,
$20. Whole cluster pressed, fermented with native yeasts, cold-stabilized, cross-flow and sterile filtered at
bottling.
·
Very inspired white wine with crisp citrus flavors and a bright cut of refreshing acidity. Very unique
and highly enjoyable.
Reviewed June 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2013 Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
12.5% alc., pH 3.24, TA 0.59, <1,900 cases, $20. Sourced
from several vineyards. Whole cluster pressed, slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks, gently cross-flow
filtered and sterile-filtered at bottling.
·
Bright and clean, with crisp acidity and flavors of apple, melon, pear and
citrus. Satisfying.
Reviewed June 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2013 Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Barrel Select Oregon Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., $30. Aged 9 months in
French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Light cherry red color in the glass. Toasty oak dominates the cherry and
strawberry fruits in this wine. Juicy and fresh on the palate, with mild fine-grain tannins and a tart cherry finish.
The fruit is a bit austere, even under ripe, with an herbal vein in the background, allowing oak to dominate.
Score: 87.
Reviewed June 14, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 1825 cases, $28, screwcap. A blend
of grapes from several vineyards including Meredith Mitchell, Shea, Aubre Verte, Goodrich, Olenick,
Atticus and the Estate.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Appealing aromas of spicy
marionberry jam, blackberries and a hint of oak vanillin. Discreetly concentrated flavors of spiced
berries, pomegranates, and plum with echoes of oak and vanilla in the background. Soft in the
mouth and easy to drink, with restrained tannins and refreshing acidity. A touch shallow on the mid
palate and finish.
Score: 88.
Reviewed December 18, 2013
ARTICLE »
2012 Raptor Ridge Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $45. Sourced from the
estate Tuscowallame Vineyard (means “where the owls dwell”).
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass.
The nose offers pleasing aromas of cherry preserves, balsam and peat. The light to medium weight flavors of
black cherry and strawberry are simple and forward, framed by a hint of oak and back by supple tannins. An
elegant wine that aims to please.
Score: 87.
Reviewed June 14, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Raptor Ridge Estate Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.50, <500
cases, $45. Includes all clones grown in the vineyard. 100% de-stemmed, 8-day cold soak, proprietary yeast
inoculation, aged in 29% new French oak for 9 months.
·
Aromas of plum, cherry and clove spice echoed on the
palate with added complimentary notes of oak. Solid.
Reviewed June 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Raptor Ridge Gran Moraine Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 127 cases, $45. Released
November 2013. Willakenzie soils.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple
color in the glass. The nose is extravagantly appointed with bright
aromas of fresh black cherries, black berries and a hint of oak. Rich
and sappy, but not jammy, with deep, mouth coating flavors of
blackberries, black cherries and Hoison sauce with many additional
nuances including spice, vanilla and cola. Very soft and luxurious on the palate
with a firm, but not astringent tannic backbone, and a long, long finish. Still
needs time to fully integrate the tannins but this wine is brimming with pleasure.
Score: 94.
Reviewed December 18, 2013
ARTICLE »
2012 Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1%
alc., 276 cases, $55.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. A complex and chameleon nose that
changes in the glass over time. Aromas of black cherry, dark berry jam, marzipan, humus, earthy flora and oak
emerge. The boysenberry, black cherry and black plum fruit has a glass-filling presence but the wine is
endlessly gentle. A little sous bois adds interest. The tannins are muscular but not astringent and need time to
soften and integrate. The wine becomes significantly better over an hour’s time in the glass. Great potential
here long term.
Score: 92.
Reviewed December 18, 2013
ARTICLE »
2012 Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.50, <315 cases,
$55 (sold out). 100% de-stemmed, inoculated with William Selyem yeast strain, fermented 12 days before
pressing off skins, aged 9 months in 50% new French oak.
·
A special wine in this vintage with enticing aromas
of black cherry, cola and sassafras. Mid weight flavors of Bing cherry, raspberry and rose hips tea. Nicely
crafted and harmonious with a generous finish.
Reviewed June 29, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 2,200 cases, $25, screwcap.
Released December 15, 2012.
·
Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Darker fruits are featured on
the nose including black cherries with a touch of spice and oak. Light and elegant, with satisfying
cherry, blueberry and pomegranate flavors, finishing with an uplifting spiced cherry note. Gossamer
tannins and every easy to drink. An impressive Willamette Valley blend. Buy this by the case for
satisfying everyday drinking. Good (+).
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Raptor Ridge Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alcohol,
<935 cases, $45, screwcap. Released September 2013. 49% Estate, 17%
Meredith Mitchell, 12% Shea, 10% Aubre Vert, 7% Goodrich and 5% Olenik
vineyards. Harvest between October 18 and November 2, 2011. Diverse yeast
program, 19 day fermentation, aged 9 months in 18% new French oak
cooperage.
·
Effusive scents of dark red cherry pie glaze with a hint of toasty
oak. Mid weight dark cherry and plum fruit is featured backed by supple tannins,
juicy acidity and complimentary oak. Slightly more fruit intensity and finish than
the Estate bottling. The finish is worth special mention as it is strikingly long and
lush. This wine will continue to develop and pick up interest with another year or
two in bottle.
Score: 91.
Reviewed December 18, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Raptor Ridge Estate Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., <600 cases,
$50, screwcap. Released May 2013. Grapes harvested at ripeness on October 25, 2011, just before the fall
rains at 21º Brix. 10-day cold soak, inoculated with Williams Selyem liquid yeast culture, aged 9 months in 27%
new French oak barrels. A selection of the finest barrels.
·
Moderately light red color in the glass. Nicely
perfumed with aromas of strawberries, cherries, spice and graham. Delicate but flavorful, featuring red fruits,
baking spices and the slightest oak, finishing with a very juicy, citrus-driven finish. Impressive balance and
integration of oak. Judged in the context of the vintage, this wine is quite reflective and enjoyable.
Score: 90.
Reviewed December 18, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Raptor Ridge Gran Moraine Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., <200
cases, $38, screwcap. Released March 15, 2012.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. A
relatively austere wine with hi-tone acidity. Aromas of dark berry preserves, sweet pea and resin. Tasty core of
dark berries and black plum sauce with oak and a green thread running through. Light in weight with balanced
tannins and a bright finish. Lively acidity really elevates this wine. Good.
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Raptor Ridge Meredith Mitchell Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 175 cases, $38, screwcap.
Release early 2013.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass.
Nose-filling aromas of spiced red stone fruits. Discreetly concentrated
core of dark red and purple fruits including grapes, with a juicy finish
that lasts and lasts. Satisfying fullness and roundness with a very
appealing velvety mouth feel. Everything is in place with balanced dry
tannins, zippy acidity and perfectly ripened fruit. This vineyard performed
beautifully in this vintage.
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Raptor Ridge Olenik Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 100
cases, $38, screwcap. Released March 15, 2012.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The
nose is appealing with an array of aromas including dark berries, sassafras, hickory, pepper and floral accents.
Tastes of the essence of blackberries with an oaky, earthy edge. Well-balanced dry tannins provide good
support and bright acidity on the finish infuses the wine with vigor. Good.
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Raptor Ridge Trig Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 50 cases, $41, screwcap. Released June
2012. A barrel select blend of 50% Shea Vineyard and 50% Meredith Mitchell Vineyard grapes.
·
Moderately
light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed initially with aromas of cherry, cranberry and spice,
fading in appeal over time as aromas of tobacco, herbs and geranium emerge. Light and juicy on the palate
with cherry and red berry flavors, supported by fine-grain tannins and a lively riff of acidity. Decent.
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 250
cases, $55, screwcap. Released November 15, 2012.
·
Light reddish-purple hue in the glass. The fruit hasn’t
emerged on the nose. Aromas of oak and coffee are at the forefront with deep cherry and berry aromas in the
background. Relatively light but satisfying featuring delicious dark berry fruit complimented by oak, finishing
very long. Very young and needs time to soften the tannins and fully integrate the oak, but the pedigree of the
fruit is evident. Good (+).
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2006 Raptor Ridge Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
15.2% alc., 1,104 cases, $29.
A blend of seven Willamette Valley vineyards and a potpourri of all commonly grown clones in
Oregon. 100% de-stemmed into 1.5 ton fermenters for a 4-day cold soak. Fermentation
initiated naturally and then inoculated with commercial yeasts. Aged in 44% new French oak.
·
Spiced cherry and melon aromas. Moderately rich core of dark red fruits with a deft touch of
oak. Fat on the palate and polished with supple tannins. The alcohol is well-integrated.
Quite decent but not exceptional.
Reviewed August 17, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Raptor Ridge Meredith Mitchell Vineyard McMinnville Pinot Noir
15.5% alc., 192 cases, $35.
·
A plush
palate of dark berries, earth, meat, and game with a barely noticeable nerve of acidity. Admirable integration of
oak and alcohol. Substantial tannins may require more time to meld.
Reviewed December 17, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
15.1% alc., <480
cases, $37. The name of this producer comes from the 27-acre estate in the Chehalem Mountains that is
populated by raptors (birds of prey).
·
Pleasant and complex perfume of red Pinot fruits, herbs, vegetable
garden, vitamins and pears. Earthy and brooding on the palate with flavors of dark cherries and currents and a
hint of green tomato. With time in the glass, more red fruits emerge, including red cherries and cranberries.
Admirable elegance and balance with the alcohol perfectly integrated.
Reviewed September 15, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Raptor Ridge Adalfo’s Block Raptor Ridge Estate Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
15.4% alc., $48.The 27-acre Raptor Ridge estate vineyard was planted to several clones in
2001 in deep Laurelwood soil. This wine represents the first harvest from the estate vineyard.
·
The palate of dark fruits is vigorous with flavor and character. The sappy blackberry liquor is
long and tasty. A gentle touch of herbs and spice adds interest. The alcohol is well-integrated
and the whole package is quite satisfying.
Reviewed December 17, 2008
ARTICLE »
2014 Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
13.5% alc., $20, screwcap. Whole cluster pressed, fermented in stainless steel tanks. · Very light yellow color in the glass. A crisp, clean wine that offers lemon, grapefruit, lychee and floral scents that are echoed on the palate with added notes of pear and yellow apple. Thoroughly satisfying, with good balance and brightness. Score: 88. Reviewed June 14, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Raptor Ridge Estate Chehalem Mountains Gruüner Veltliner
12.5% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.56, <101 cases, $20. Whole cluster pressed, fermented with native yeasts, cold-stabilized, cross-flow and sterile filtered at bottling. · Very inspired white wine with crisp citrus flavors and a bright cut of refreshing acidity. Very unique and highly enjoyable. Reviewed June 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2013 Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
12.5% alc., pH 3.24, TA 0.59, <1,900 cases, $20. Sourced from several vineyards. Whole cluster pressed, slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks, gently cross-flow filtered and sterile-filtered at bottling. · Bright and clean, with crisp acidity and flavors of apple, melon, pear and citrus. Satisfying. Reviewed June 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2013 Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Barrel Select Oregon Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., $30. Aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Toasty oak dominates the cherry and strawberry fruits in this wine. Juicy and fresh on the palate, with mild fine-grain tannins and a tart cherry finish. The fruit is a bit austere, even under ripe, with an herbal vein in the background, allowing oak to dominate. Score: 87. Reviewed June 14, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 1825 cases, $28, screwcap. A blend of grapes from several vineyards including Meredith Mitchell, Shea, Aubre Verte, Goodrich, Olenick, Atticus and the Estate. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Appealing aromas of spicy marionberry jam, blackberries and a hint of oak vanillin. Discreetly concentrated flavors of spiced berries, pomegranates, and plum with echoes of oak and vanilla in the background. Soft in the mouth and easy to drink, with restrained tannins and refreshing acidity. A touch shallow on the mid palate and finish. Score: 88. Reviewed December 18, 2013 ARTICLE »
2012 Raptor Ridge Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $45. Sourced from the estate Tuscowallame Vineyard (means “where the owls dwell”). · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers pleasing aromas of cherry preserves, balsam and peat. The light to medium weight flavors of black cherry and strawberry are simple and forward, framed by a hint of oak and back by supple tannins. An elegant wine that aims to please. Score: 87. Reviewed June 14, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Raptor Ridge Estate Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.50, <500 cases, $45. Includes all clones grown in the vineyard. 100% de-stemmed, 8-day cold soak, proprietary yeast inoculation, aged in 29% new French oak for 9 months. · Aromas of plum, cherry and clove spice echoed on the palate with added complimentary notes of oak. Solid. Reviewed June 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Raptor Ridge Gran Moraine Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 127 cases, $45. Released November 2013. Willakenzie soils. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is extravagantly appointed with bright aromas of fresh black cherries, black berries and a hint of oak. Rich and sappy, but not jammy, with deep, mouth coating flavors of blackberries, black cherries and Hoison sauce with many additional nuances including spice, vanilla and cola. Very soft and luxurious on the palate with a firm, but not astringent tannic backbone, and a long, long finish. Still needs time to fully integrate the tannins but this wine is brimming with pleasure. Score: 94. Reviewed December 18, 2013 ARTICLE »
2012 Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 276 cases, $55. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. A complex and chameleon nose that changes in the glass over time. Aromas of black cherry, dark berry jam, marzipan, humus, earthy flora and oak emerge. The boysenberry, black cherry and black plum fruit has a glass-filling presence but the wine is endlessly gentle. A little sous bois adds interest. The tannins are muscular but not astringent and need time to soften and integrate. The wine becomes significantly better over an hour’s time in the glass. Great potential here long term. Score: 92. Reviewed December 18, 2013 ARTICLE »
2012 Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.50, <315 cases, $55 (sold out). 100% de-stemmed, inoculated with William Selyem yeast strain, fermented 12 days before pressing off skins, aged 9 months in 50% new French oak. · A special wine in this vintage with enticing aromas of black cherry, cola and sassafras. Mid weight flavors of Bing cherry, raspberry and rose hips tea. Nicely crafted and harmonious with a generous finish. Reviewed June 29, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 2,200 cases, $25, screwcap. Released December 15, 2012. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Darker fruits are featured on the nose including black cherries with a touch of spice and oak. Light and elegant, with satisfying cherry, blueberry and pomegranate flavors, finishing with an uplifting spiced cherry note. Gossamer tannins and every easy to drink. An impressive Willamette Valley blend. Buy this by the case for satisfying everyday drinking. Good (+). Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Raptor Ridge Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alcohol, <935 cases, $45, screwcap. Released September 2013. 49% Estate, 17% Meredith Mitchell, 12% Shea, 10% Aubre Vert, 7% Goodrich and 5% Olenik vineyards. Harvest between October 18 and November 2, 2011. Diverse yeast program, 19 day fermentation, aged 9 months in 18% new French oak cooperage. · Effusive scents of dark red cherry pie glaze with a hint of toasty oak. Mid weight dark cherry and plum fruit is featured backed by supple tannins, juicy acidity and complimentary oak. Slightly more fruit intensity and finish than the Estate bottling. The finish is worth special mention as it is strikingly long and lush. This wine will continue to develop and pick up interest with another year or two in bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed December 18, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Raptor Ridge Estate Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., <600 cases, $50, screwcap. Released May 2013. Grapes harvested at ripeness on October 25, 2011, just before the fall rains at 21º Brix. 10-day cold soak, inoculated with Williams Selyem liquid yeast culture, aged 9 months in 27% new French oak barrels. A selection of the finest barrels. · Moderately light red color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of strawberries, cherries, spice and graham. Delicate but flavorful, featuring red fruits, baking spices and the slightest oak, finishing with a very juicy, citrus-driven finish. Impressive balance and integration of oak. Judged in the context of the vintage, this wine is quite reflective and enjoyable. Score: 90. Reviewed December 18, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Raptor Ridge Gran Moraine Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., <200 cases, $38, screwcap. Released March 15, 2012. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. A relatively austere wine with hi-tone acidity. Aromas of dark berry preserves, sweet pea and resin. Tasty core of dark berries and black plum sauce with oak and a green thread running through. Light in weight with balanced tannins and a bright finish. Lively acidity really elevates this wine. Good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Raptor Ridge Meredith Mitchell Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 175 cases, $38, screwcap. Release early 2013. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nose-filling aromas of spiced red stone fruits. Discreetly concentrated core of dark red and purple fruits including grapes, with a juicy finish that lasts and lasts. Satisfying fullness and roundness with a very appealing velvety mouth feel. Everything is in place with balanced dry tannins, zippy acidity and perfectly ripened fruit. This vineyard performed beautifully in this vintage. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Raptor Ridge Olenik Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 100 cases, $38, screwcap. Released March 15, 2012. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is appealing with an array of aromas including dark berries, sassafras, hickory, pepper and floral accents. Tastes of the essence of blackberries with an oaky, earthy edge. Well-balanced dry tannins provide good support and bright acidity on the finish infuses the wine with vigor. Good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Raptor Ridge Trig Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 50 cases, $41, screwcap. Released June 2012. A barrel select blend of 50% Shea Vineyard and 50% Meredith Mitchell Vineyard grapes. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed initially with aromas of cherry, cranberry and spice, fading in appeal over time as aromas of tobacco, herbs and geranium emerge. Light and juicy on the palate with cherry and red berry flavors, supported by fine-grain tannins and a lively riff of acidity. Decent. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 250 cases, $55, screwcap. Released November 15, 2012. · Light reddish-purple hue in the glass. The fruit hasn’t emerged on the nose. Aromas of oak and coffee are at the forefront with deep cherry and berry aromas in the background. Relatively light but satisfying featuring delicious dark berry fruit complimented by oak, finishing very long. Very young and needs time to soften the tannins and fully integrate the oak, but the pedigree of the fruit is evident. Good (+). Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2006 Raptor Ridge Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
15.2% alc., 1,104 cases, $29. A blend of seven Willamette Valley vineyards and a potpourri of all commonly grown clones in Oregon. 100% de-stemmed into 1.5 ton fermenters for a 4-day cold soak. Fermentation initiated naturally and then inoculated with commercial yeasts. Aged in 44% new French oak. · Spiced cherry and melon aromas. Moderately rich core of dark red fruits with a deft touch of oak. Fat on the palate and polished with supple tannins. The alcohol is well-integrated. Quite decent but not exceptional. Reviewed August 17, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Raptor Ridge Meredith Mitchell Vineyard McMinnville Pinot Noir
15.5% alc., 192 cases, $35. · A plush palate of dark berries, earth, meat, and game with a barely noticeable nerve of acidity. Admirable integration of oak and alcohol. Substantial tannins may require more time to meld. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
15.1% alc., <480 cases, $37. The name of this producer comes from the 27-acre estate in the Chehalem Mountains that is populated by raptors (birds of prey). · Pleasant and complex perfume of red Pinot fruits, herbs, vegetable garden, vitamins and pears. Earthy and brooding on the palate with flavors of dark cherries and currents and a hint of green tomato. With time in the glass, more red fruits emerge, including red cherries and cranberries. Admirable elegance and balance with the alcohol perfectly integrated. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Raptor Ridge Adalfo’s Block Raptor Ridge Estate Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir
15.4% alc., $48.The 27-acre Raptor Ridge estate vineyard was planted to several clones in 2001 in deep Laurelwood soil. This wine represents the first harvest from the estate vineyard. · The palate of dark fruits is vigorous with flavor and character. The sappy blackberry liquor is long and tasty. A gentle touch of herbs and spice adds interest. The alcohol is well-integrated and the whole package is quite satisfying. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »