91 “Ten months in French oak, 15% new, did this Pinot Noir right. The Barrel Select's aromas include a fruity mix of raspberries and Amarena cherries, followed by blackberry and citrus flavors. 15% whole cluster fermentation adds a bit of structure to accompany the wine's zippy acidity.” – Wine Enthusiast
Sustainable, LIVE Certified, Organic, Biodynamic
Raptor Ridge's "Barrel Select" is often touted as "A tour of Willamette Valley in a glass." This 100% Pinot Noir is created by carefully tasting and selecting 100 barrels from each of the winery's Single Vineyard sites around the Valley. Represented in the blend are the Willamette Valley sub-AVAs of Chehalem Mountains, Yamhill-Carlton, McMinnville, and Eola-Amity Hills. These prime vineyard sources showcase diverse soil types, microclimates, and clonal selections, and this fantastic bottling highlights how skilled winemaking can knit together varied aspects of Willamette Valley to create a balanced, comprehensive Pinot Noir with the depth and breadth to please and impress even hard-boiled francophile fans of this infamously finicky grape.
Winemaker’s notes: “The palate is medium bodied with bright acidity, light tannin, and a long, complex finish. Bright cherry and raspberry notes showcase the climate of Chehalem Mountains, while the McMinnville region brings fresh pomegranate and hibiscus flower to the glass. The palate reveals the cola and cinnamon spice notes of Yamhill-Carlton AVA, and earthy mushroom and black tea notes presented on the finish hail from our source vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills area.This wine pairs easily alongside cheese and charcuterie, baked salmon, roasted chicken or pork, and leaner red meats such as duck breast or filet mignon.”
