2003-2006 RR Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir Vertical

1 x 2003 RR Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir
1 x 2004 RR Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir
1 x 2005 RR Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir
1 x 2006 RR Ridgecrest Vineyards Pinot Noir

This is one of Lot18’s most exciting offers from Oregon so far. The much lauded Harry Peterson-Nedry of RR Winery and his daughter Wynne are not only giving us an amazing deal on a four-bottle vertical of highly rated Pinot Noirs, they’re also opening their doors to all purchasers for a private tour and barrel tasting.

Harry is among the most respected winemakers in the world, his reputation driven by intellectual curiosity, ultrahigh standards and one of the sharpest palates I’ve ever encountered. Owner and winemaker of Willamette Valley wineries Chehalem and RR, his wines consistently generate praise from critics, sommeliers and a loyal legion of fans.

Luckily, I’m not just a fan, I’m also a good friend of Harry’s. I was recently invited into his cellar and managed to convince him to release a special lineup of his wines for Lot18 members. This is truly a special opportunity: a chance to collect a vertical all at once from four unique but equally great vintages, 2003 to 2006. Only 500 cases of RR wines are produced each year, and a mere 150 are made available to those not on RR’s mailing list. We’re lucky to have a few dozen of this rare vertical to share with Lot18 members.

As if that weren’t enough, Harry and Wynne are inviting all purchasers of this vertical to visit the winery at any time between July 25 and Aug. 6 of this year (or during a similar period in 2012) for a private vineyard tour and barrel tasting. After spending the day with the Peterson-Nedrys, you’ll see how they select the finest wines from this special vineyard and witness one of the world’s greatest winemakers at the height of his craft.

In 1980 Harry planted Ridgecrest Vineyard, the first vineyard in the revered Willamette subappellation of Ribbon Ridge, widely considered one of the best viticultural areas in the state. Without irrigation, the 30-year-old vines reach deep into these ocean-sediment soils for moisture, accessing a broad range of minerals, which make for complex, richly structured, dark-fruited Pinot Noirs.

Harry created the RR label with Wynne to demonstrate the stylistic range of this extraordinary site, which offers a more assertive, fuller-bodied counterpart to his leaner Chehalem Reserve Pinot Noir.

Built to age, these four wines all share a concentrated intensity at the darkest end of the fruit spectrum, often with complementary notes of cocoa. I appreciate structure above all else, and each of these is a textural masterpiece, ideally balanced between strength and grace – variations on a theme stemming from this mature vineyard.

A scarce few bottles of this vertical remain. Seize this opportunity to experience some of the finest expressions of Oregon Pinot Noir, and witness the making of RR Winery’s next great release. Upon purchase, Lot18 will contact you with details about the private tour and tasting.

Tasting Notes
2003
The best Pinot Noir that I’ve ever tasted from this vintage. Still quite youthful, and the darkest in color of the four, with a core of dense, chewy black raspberry. Pronounced acid and grippy tannins. Huge finish.

2004
Racier, with subtle notes of fresh-tilled soil and red peppercorn to complement the black cherry. Zippy acidity joins forces with refined tannins to provide superior architecture.

2005
Quite lively, with bracing acidity providing the framework. Savory and meaty, with stony minerality complementing the black raspberry core.

2006
Lusty, with soft tannins carrying voluptuous black cherry and marionberry flavors. A balanced interpretation of a warmer vintage.

—Ted Farthing

Ted Farthing started his career as Brand Manager for Ruffino, Dom Pérignon and Moët & Chandon in 1992, and also developed new spirits brands for Diageo. Before joining Lot18 he served as Executive Director of the Oregon Wine Board, leading Oregon’s industry through rapid growth and cementing its reputation as a world-class region. Ted joined Lot18 as Procurement Director for the Northwest, sourcing limited distribution wines from Washington and Oregon for our members.