Reviews & Ratings

2011 Chehalem Pinot Noir "Ridgecrest Vineyards"

Winery: Chehalem

Vintage: 2011

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Ridgecrest Vineyards"

Wine Category: Pinot Noir

Grape blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Ribbon Ridge

State or country: OR

Price: $50

Cases produced: 515

KWG Score: 90.4 (based on 5 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: June 4, 2014

Wine Review: This ruby colored Pinot Noir from Oregon is very good. It opens with musty wood and red raspberry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and juicy. The flavor profile is a ripe plum with notes of cedar and red raspberry. I also detected hints of cranberry. The finish is dry and its fresh flavors linger for quite some time. This fruity Pinot would pair well with braised short ribs. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Although a cooler year, this Ridgecrest shows layers, ripeness and complexity usually found in warmer vintages. There is an essence of blackberry and spiced cassis through the color, aroma, and flavor, a lush palate, and utterly perfect textural balance. Adjoined to fruit and spice is a vibrancy and freshness that shows the 2011 vintage, but hints more at the longevity and ageability than youth. Overall, the complexity and layers rule this wine, showing (but not limited to) black tea, Italian plum, earth, resin, berry pie, cinnamon, minerality, pencil shavings, and huckleberry.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Chehalem 2011 Ridgecrest Pinot Noir.