Ribbon Ridge Vineyard Willamette Valley Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir, 2017

When Robert Parker's brother-in-law launched his winemaking venture in Oregon's Willamette Valley, he chose land in the Ribbon Ridge area. Beaux Freres, as the winery is known, has been highly acclaimed, and its Pinot Noirs command a premium price. Ribbon Ridge Vineyards is a smaller and less well known operation in the area which sells some of its grapes to other nearby wineries although, as the label points out, the winery keeps the best produce for its own wines.

Medium deep garnet, dark for Pinot but part of the Ribbon Ridge profile--induced by soil and micro climate rather than over-extraction and oak. The aromas at age six are captivating: red raspberries, dark cherries, spring flowers. Deep flavors that eventually trend toward strawberry plus orange zest and peppery spice. Treads lightly on the tongue with excellent fruit/acid balance. Some grippy tannins on the finish, suggesting that this lovely wine is going to get even better over the next five years or so.

Whereas most Beaux Freres wines sell for $100 plus, this Ribbon Ridge retails for $38 to $40. I bought mine for $17.99 two years ago from Wines Till Sold Out.