Winerabble Grüner Review
2019 Ridgecrest Estate Grüner Veltliner
2019 Ridgecrest Estate Grüner Veltliner
Ridgecrest Vineyards
Ribbon Ridge
Willamette Valley
Oregon
Screwcap closure
294 cases produced
13.0% alcohol
Harry Peterson-Nedry purchased the 120-acre Ridgecrest Vineyard, located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, back in 1980 and began planting two years later. Now with 41 acres under vines, Harry is intimately familiar with his dry-farmed vineyard. His daughter, Wynne, grew up amongst the rows of grapes and was bitten by the wine bug at an early age.
The two of them have been making wine together for many years and pop has definitely passed his palate preferences down to his daughter. Wynne has taken over the winery reins and her winemaking style follows in her father’s footsteps. Bright acidity, screw caps, and terroir-driven flavors are all hallmarks of both the Ridgecrest Wines and their other label, RR Wines.
Grüner Veltliner is widely planted in Austria and fortunately we have a smattering of it here in Oregon, including the 2.2 acres at Ridgecrest Vineyards. It’s a really versatile white wine that pairs wonderfully with many vegetables, including those with more challenging flavors like Brussels sprouts, asparagus and artichokes.
Color: Pale daffodil yellow
Aromas: So many tart notes of granny smith apples, lemons and lime zest jumped out of the glass while I swirled and swirled.
Flavors: It has serious mineral notes of wet stone combined with citrus fruit flavors of tart grapefruit and lemon zest, making my mouth water with each sip. As this wine opened up, more layers became prominent, including those green apples aromas (including the skins), plus tropical starfruit, a kiss of honey and a lovely note of salinity. This grüner has zippy acidity and a long, long finish that continues to be memorable hours, even days later.
Food pairing suggestions: Pear and gorgonzola cheese pizza, asparagus soup, lemon pasta with parmesan and pea shoots, oysters.
SRP $24
