Vineyard: Armstrong

OwnersDoug Ackerman, Michele Ackerman
AppellationRibbon Ridge
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2018 Red Electric Armstrong Vineyard Alpine Lily Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Chardonnay

12.8% alc., $25. A blend of all Armstrong Vineyard clones including Mt Eden, l’Espiquette, Musqué and Dijon 76. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of baked pear, white peach, Asian pear, white flowers, toast and graphite lead to flavors that echo the aromas with added citrus (including pineapple) taste. Silky in the mouth, with good richness, quenching crispness and some length on the finish. Impressive, particularly at this modest price. Score: 94. Reviewed February 28, 2021 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2018 Red Electric Interurban Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.85% alc., $28. An introduction to the vineyard. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Inviting aromas of dark cherry, earthy flora, spice box and nori. Impressive juiciness in a really lovely, gracious mid-weight style. Captivating flavors of black cherry, dark strawberry and black raspberry with lingering mid palate and finish impression. Very lush and enjoyable. I prefer this wine over The Pulse for drinking right now. Score: 93. Reviewed February 28, 2021 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2018 Red Electric Armstrong Vineyard Evening Primrose Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Chardonnay

12.8% alc., $33. An estate blend of all Armstrong Vineyard Chardonnay clones. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Alluring aromas of white stone fruits, lemon blossom, spice and slate. A harmonious blend of citrus and white stone fruits infused with lively acidity. Slightly leaner and crisper than the Alpine Lily Chardonnay. This wine does not make quite the same impression as the Alpine Lily, but is still a terrific Chardonnay. Score: 93. Reviewed February 28, 2021 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2018 Red Electric The Pulse Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.72% alc., $50. A barrel selection. · Light garnet color in the glass. Rather shy initially, more giving over time to reveal aromas of red cherry and underbrush. Light in style yet quite flavorful, offering flavors of dark red cherry, red raspberry and spice. Infused with acid-driven energy and the slightest oak. Very forward drinking in a feminine style, exhibiting admirable harmony and finishing with generous, nimble fruit. Score: 92. Reviewed February 28, 2021 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2018 Red ElectricTGV Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.92% alc., $70. A special occasion barrel selection wine only produced in exceptional vintages. A little more percentage of whole cluster and new oak is used in production. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Clearly a step up in quality. Very tantalizing aromas of deep red cherry and berry, exotic spices and rose petal. A high-collared, mid-weight plus wine that oozes class. Perfectly ripened fruit flavors of black cherry, red and purple berry and a touch of spice. Lively, refreshing acidity and enough weighty tannins to carry the wine for years. The most serious and age worthy 2018 Red Electric offering. Score: 95. Reviewed February 28, 2021 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Red Electric Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 120 cases, $50. Inaugural release. This wine is a collaboration between winemaker John Grochau and grape grower Douglas Ackerman. The vineyard has sedimentary soils and is meticulously farmed. Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil, and Dijon 667, 777 and 115. 20% whole cluster and native yeast fermentation. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 18% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of black cherry and sandalwood. Mid weight flavors of black cherry and Marionberry are vibrant and easy going. Very satisfying, in a sleek and polished style with a silky texture, a hint of complimentary oak barrel seasoning, and some finishing length. Score: 93. Reviewed May 10, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH3.47, TA 0.60, 99 cases, $35. 50% Wädenswil, 25% Pommard, 25% 114. 25% whole clusters. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A jazzy nose with hi-tone aromas of crushed black cherries, sous-bois and sandalwood. Bold and weighty, but still refined, with mid weight flavors of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry and spice. Exquisitely balanced t n’ a with some length on the finish. Big for Oregon, but not big by California standards. This vineyard excelled in this vintage. Score: 93. Reviewed July 9, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Seven of Hearts Special Reserve Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.60, 124 cases, $49. 60% Armstrong Vineyard and 40% Bjornson Vineyard. 40% Pommard, 20% Wädenswil, 20% 777 and 20% 115. 20% whole clusters. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, black plum and marionberry have a steely tone leading to a good attack of black cherry, boysenberry and plum fruits that engage the palate and linger on the intensely fruited finish. The balance is most impressive and of reserve quality, although the fruit is not as giving now as it possibly will be with more bottle age. Score: 90-91. Reviewed July 9, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Seven of Hearts Very Special Reserve Oregon Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.68, 123 cases, $75. 40% Luminous Hills Vineyard, 20% Armstrong Vineyard, 20% Bjornson Vineyard and 20% Lia’s Vineyard. 40% 115, 30% Pommard, 20% 777 and 10% Wädenswil. 40% whole clusters. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. The array of aromas are quite pleasing and persistent, consisting of cherry, strawberry, sandalwood and caramelized oak. On entry, there is more explosion of red fruit flavor than one would expect from the light color. There is plenty of spice from the whole cluster, but no herbal character. The wine is deftly balanced, with a satiny texture and the majestic finish lingers with succulent acidity. Not the biggest wine in the Seven of Hearts lineup, but the generous finish separates it from others in the lineup. Score: 93. Reviewed July 9, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Seven of Hearts Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.72, RS 0.157%, 126 cases, $15. Grapes sourced from Luminous Hills Vineyard (Pommard) and Armstrong Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge AVA (Wädenswil and 777). Blocks were farmed specifically for Rosé, macerated for 8 days at a cold temperature, then pressed off and fermented in neutral French oak barrels where the wine was aged for 6 months before bottling. · Moderate reddish pink color in the glass. A pleasing wine with aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry and blood orange. Bright and refreshing with enough body to stand up to more substantial foods. Score: 87. Reviewed June 26, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.64, 98 cases, $35. A barrel selection from the lots produced from this vineyard. 50% Pommard plus 667, 114, 777 and Wädenswil grown in Willakenzie series sedimentary soil. 25% whole cluster fermentation. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 37.5% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, strawberry, cranberry, and dried herbs. Light to mid weight array of red fruit flavors that are vivid with good crispness. The tannins are suave, there is a faint touch of oak, and the finish is juicy and satisfying. Score: 89. Reviewed September 3, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Curmudgeon Cuvée Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.664, 25 cases, $42. A homage to the late Bob Wood who was a wine lover that was the first to “discover“ Seven of Hearts. Clones 114, 667 and Pommard. 50% whole cluster fermented, aged in 100% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate light reddish purple color in the glass. Very expressive nose, offering an appealing blend of cherry, crushed strawberry, spice and toasty oak aromas. The light to mid weight flavors of cherry and raspberry offer good mid palate intensity and length. Nicely crafted, with a bright acid spine, pleasing oak in the background, and a snappy finish. Score: 90. Reviewed September 3, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Native Flora Strong Armed Ribbon Ridge Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 106 cases, $46. Sourced from Armstrong Vineyard. · Aromas of cherry and wood spice lead to a ripe cherry core tempered by woodland spice. Delicate and refined, with silky tannins, bright acidity and a modest finish. Score: 89. Reviewed September 7, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Willamette Valley Rosé Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., RS 0.14%, 126 cases, $15. Sourced from Luminous Hills, Armstrong and Lia’s vineyards. · Medium pink watermelon in color in the glass. Bright aromas of fresh strawberries, watermelon and peach with a hint of pastry cream. Not a wimpy rosé, but one with a little heft and backbone offering bright flavors of strawberries and cherries and a finish that is crisp and refreshing. The perfect summer BBQ wine. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.62, 147 cases, $35. Willakenzie soils. Pommard, 777, 667, and Wädenswil. A barrel selection. 33% whole cluster fermented. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Not as giving at this stage as some of the other wines with the earth-kissed, red cherry and strawberry fruit slightly compressed in the tannins. A hint of floral perfume, spice and vanilla add interest. A young wine with potential. Score: 90. Reviewed June 26, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Curmudgeon Cuvée Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.59, 49 cases, $35. This wine honors the memory of wine curmudgeon, Bob Wood. This wine is designed to be a wine Bob would like and one that would age to allow him to be toasted year after year. Clones 114, 777 and Pommard. 100% whole cluster fermented. Aged in 100% neutral French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, spice, rose petal and cedar elevate from the glass. More structured with mid weight flavors of cherry, ripe strawberry, exotic spice, cedar and edible flower. Impressive intensity and length on the bright finish. Score: 91. Reviewed June 26, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Seven of Hearts Very Special Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.59, 126 cases, $75. This wine is only made in very special vintages. From Luminous Hills, Armstrong, Lia’s and Durant vineyards. 33% whole cluster fermented. Aged in 23% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Extroverted nose offering aromas of wild berries and exotic spices. Forceful and assertive on the palate, yet elegant, with a perfectly ripened core of berry fruit still mildly compressed by tannins. Similar to the Special Reserve, but more aloof at this stage. An ethereal wine that oozes pinotosity. Score: 95. Reviewed June 26, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Seven of Hearts Armstrong Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 175 cases, $35. Willakenzie series sedimentary soils. Clones Pommard and 777. Aged in 29% new French oak barrels. · Light ruby color in the glass. Delicate aromas of black cherries and dark red roses. Demure on the palate with plenty of finesse, featuring flavors of black cherries cloaked in fine-grain tannins, finishing with a pleasing, long kiss of cherries. Not a blockbuster, but a reflection of the vintage, well-crafted and thoroughly satisfying. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »