2002 Ribbon Ridge Winery Pinot Noir. Ridgecrest Vineyard, Willamette Valley, Oregon. 14.9% alcohol. $60.
This is the debut vintage for this new winery started by one of Chehalem’s owners. In the past, Chehalem sourced fruit from the 24 year old Ridgecrest Vineyard. Now Chehalem will share this fruit with Ribbon Ridge. The 2002 has a medium purple red color with thick clear legs. Nicely viscous with mint, vanilla, cherry, and strawberry characteristics. Loads of sweet fruit with fine acidity and light to moderate tannin. Good length with attractive strawberry fruit on the finish. More obviously New World in profile then many other top flight Oregon wines – the 2002 is hedonistic and juicy. Unfortunately the wine shows a bit of heat and that slightly mars its overall impact. Drink now to 2010. 90 points.