Raptor Ridge Winery

Owner(s)	Annie Shull, Scott Shull
Web site	www.raptoridge.com

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Raptor Ridge is a specialist in Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris located in a modern winery facility and tasting room in Newberg, Oregon adjacent the 18-acre estate vineyard. Owner and winemaker Scott Shull founded Raptor Ridge in 1995 and crafted early vintages in a renovated horse barn next to his home. As his business expanded, he added his wife Annie as Co-Owner and Sales and Marketing Director in 2000 and wine production was moved off property into a number of shared winery spaces. A new winery 9,400-square-foot winery was opened in 2010 allowing production on the 27-acre estate property.

Wines are crafted from the Estate Vineyard (named "Tuscowallame," the indigenous word for "where the owls dwell") as well as eleven well-known winegrowers including Harbinger Vineyard, Hawk's View Vineyard, Shaw Vineyard, and Arbor Vert Vineyard (Chehalem Mountains), Gran Moraine Vineyard, Shea Vineyard and Yamhill Springs Vineyard (Yamhill-Carlton AVA), Bellevue Cross Vineyard, Meredith Mitchell Vineyard and Stony Mountain Vineyard (McMinnville AVA). The first harvest from the Estate Vineyard, which is primarily planted to Pinot Noir, was 2006. The name of the winery relates to birds of prey that share the property.

Scott Shull is still a consultant for the Intel Corporation where he coordinates ecological strategies. He favors richly flavored Pinot Noirs showing both deep red and blue fruit flavors. The wines have received considerable praise in the wine press. Current production is about 6,500 cases, 10% of which is estate grown. Raptor Ridge is a strong supporter of Salud The Oregon Wine Auction, donating 10 cents for every bottle of its wine sold to Salud for vineyard worker health care. Scott and Annie Shull are the first winery to employ this admirable practice.

The tasting room with sweeping views of Mount Hood, Adams and St. Helens is open seasonally and by appointment. The address is 18700 SW Hillsboro Hwy and the phone is 503-887-5595. The wines are available on the website and through limited retail distribution.

Articles About Raptor Ridge Winery

Chehalem Mountains (7.7 12/17/2008)
More Sips of Noiregon Pinot (7.2 9/15/2008)
More Sips of Oregon Pinot Noir (7.23 8/17/2009)
Pinot Briefs (8.9 1/22/2010)
Pinot Briefs (8.25 11/7/2010)
Tasting the Six Appellations with Grape Radio (7.7 12/17/2008)

Reviewed Wines

2006 Raptor Ridge Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

15.2% alc., 1,104 cases, $29. A blend of seven Willamette Valley vineyards and a potpourri of all commonly grown clones in Oregon. 100% de-stemmed into 1.5 ton fermenters for a 4-day cold soak. Fermentation initiated naturally and then inoculated with commercial yeasts. Aged in 44% new French oak. · Spiced cherry and melon aromas. Moderately rich core of dark red fruits with a deft touch of oak. Fat on the palate and polished with supple tannins. The alcohol is well-integrated. Quite decent but not exceptional. Reviewed August 17, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Raptor Ridge Meredith Mitchell Vineyard McMinnville Pinot Noir

15.5% alc., 192 cases, $35. · A plush palate of dark berries, earth, meat, and game with a barely noticeable nerve of acidity. Admirable integration of oak and alcohol. Substantial tannins may require more time to meld. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton District Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

15.1% alc., <480 cases, $37. The name of this producer comes from the 27-acre estate in the Chehalem Mountains that is populated by raptors (birds of prey). · Pleasant and complex perfume of red Pinot fruits, herbs, vegetable garden, vitamins and pears. Earthy and brooding on the palate with flavors of dark cherries and currents and a hint of green tomato. With time in the glass, more red fruits emerge, including red cherries and cranberries. Admirable elegance and balance with the alcohol perfectly integrated. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Raptor Ridge Adalfo’s Block Raptor Ridge Estate Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

15.4% alc., $48.The 27-acre Raptor Ridge estate vineyard was planted to several clones in 2001 in deep Laurelwood soil. This wine represents the first harvest from the estate vineyard. · The palate of dark fruits is vigorous with flavor and character. The sappy blackberry liquor is long and tasty. A gentle touch of herbs and spice adds interest. The alcohol is well-integrated and the whole package is quite satisfying. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »