Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2024

Founded in 1995 by Scott and Annie Shull, Raptor Ridge is a family-owned winery perched on the northern slope of the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Known for its focus on site-driven Pinot Noir and aromatic whites, the estate emphasizes sustainable farming and minimal intervention. The ‘Vineyard Select’ Rosé is crafted specifically from fruit grown for rosé production, with careful attention to freshness, delicacy, and structure.

• WINEMAKER: Ben DiCristina

• FARMING: LIVE Certified Sustainable

• VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir

• TERROIR: Sourced entirely from the Chehalem Mountains AVA in the northern Willamette Valley. The blend includes fruit from the Tuscowallame Estate (77%) and Lia’s Vineyard (23%), grown at moderate elevations on volcanic and marine sedimentary soils. The region’s mild 2024 growing season extended ripening into late fall.

• VINIFICATION: Grapes were hand-harvested and whole-cluster direct-pressed in a 90-minute cycle using a 2-ton horizontal bladder press. Fermentation occurred with 100% native yeasts; 95% of the wine was vinified in stainless steel, with 5% fermented in neutral oak barrels.

• AGING: Aged on fine lees in stainless steel and neutral oak for 6 months. Light bentonite fining and crossflow filtration prior to bottling.

• TASTING NOTES: Zesty aromas of lemon-lime and underripe strawberry meet flavors of passion fruit, honeydew melon, and crushed herbs. The palate is crisp and mouthwatering, with notes of white pepper and stony minerality on the finish.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Watermelon gazpacho, niçoise salad, goat cheese and crudités, baked salmon, grilled shrimp, sushi, or deviled eggs