Oregon wine: 2019 Ridgecrest Old Vine Estate Gamay noir

369 cases produced

There’s a good reason this Gamay has “old vine” in the name–it’s made with fruit from 34 year old grapevines– planted back in 1985. Farmed by the same family for two generations, I’m pretty sure they are the oldest Gamay noir plantings in Oregon. It should come as no surprise that father Harry and daughter Wynne are intimately familiar with their vineyard and how to coax the best out of their old vines.

After a series of warmer years, the 2019 growing season was a return to more typical Willamette Valley weather. Follow this link to read more about it and our 2019 vintage at a glance infographic. Cooler temperatures and rain events helped Wynne create a wine with bright acidity and nuanced flavors and aromas. Light and delicate, this Gamay did get weightier the longer it was exposed to air. Enjoy it slightly chilled with a variety of different dishes.