RAPTOR RIDGE

Chehalem, Dundee, and Willamette Valley, Oregon

Founded in 1995 by winemaker Scott Shull, Raptor Ridge Winery gets its name from the many families of raptors-red-tailed hawks, kestrels, sharp-shinned hawks and owls-that share the winery's 27-acre estate.

Raptor Ridge produces about 7,500 cases of wine each vintage. Approximately nine different cuvées comprise this case quantity, including Pinot gris, Grüner Veltliner, Rosé, Tempranillo, several distinct vineyard designates, and consistent blends of Willamette Valley Pinot noir and Reserve Pinot noir. The winemaking team regularly tastes through and segregates every barrel into these select cuvées. Uncompromised quality is the focus, not quantity.

Scott and Annie consider what they do an honor-working with their hands, providing a product that brings joy, while employing a small, focused team of top wine industry professionals to make it so. For almost two decades as producers of Willamette Valley Pinots, the Shulls have realized their dream of achieving a measure of success and notoriety that allows the brand to flourish. From humble beginnings in a converted horse barn behind their home to a state-of-the-art winery on the vineyard property, the Shulls remain grounded in the purposeful production of sincere wines, true to their sites of origin.

2015 Gruner Veltliner

Aromas of Asian pear, exotic starfruit, melon, and white musk waft from the glass on a wave of floral talc. Bright, green apple; lime zest; and almond, finishing on a peppery note, offers a classic Gruner flavor profile. The palate is tense and energetic thanks to integrated acidity that lifts and lengthens the memorable finish.

2014 Pinot Gris

The lush nose of this expansive Pinot gris welcomes you with scents of orange blossom and anise. Showing more stone- and tree-fruit notes than usual, Apricot, Bartlett Pear, Guava and Quince round out the aromatics. The ample mid-palate offers Key Lime, Lemon Grass, and Grapefruit, with a silky transition to a refreshing mineral focused acidic finish, with surprising notes of verbena, sesame and orange peel. 

2013 Barrel Select Pinot Noir

The nose is pretty, with soft notes of red fruits like red currants, red raspberry and a meaty spice, with a hint of Oregon forest floor that cries out for chanterelles. The palate has an ample finish with notes of black tea and cherry compote.