Pioneer Ribbon Ridge Estate Pinot Noir

Very tight and reticent on the first night. Opened up very nicely with extended aeration. Very concentrated and somewhat muted Pinot Noir from a single 667 clone selection that shows flashes of brilliance in the glass today but is destined for the cellar. Hold for a minimum of 2 years if you want to experience the potential of this wine. Fortunately I have another bottle. Unfined and unfiltered, already showing some light traces of tartrates.

Bolder Pinot I’d expect to lighten up in a couple years.

2015 vintage. Very subtle on the nose. M- intensity. Red berries. Damp earth. Powerful on the palate - black fruit and M+ tannins. Needs more time.

I love this vintage (2015) but this is not one of my favorites from it. Definitely has some of the characteristics - strawberry jam and cherry - but not a lot of complexity and a pretty abrupt finish.

Now this is some really good PN. Bright cherries laced in minerality, and floral fragrances as if walking through a rose garden that is planted parallel with a road that’s just had fresh asphalt applied. Perfumed yet damp and earthy. Love the back-label note:

“The best of our barrels comes to you in this very limited bottling. It is comprised entirely from our Ribbon Ridge vineyard’s sweet spot, all from Clone 667. Named in honor of an Oregon Trail pioneer, this is a wine that could stand up to such a journey.”

David had this 5 years ago

Rhonda had this 5 years ago

Wes had this 7 years ago

Kristen had this 7 years ago