Ribbon Ridge Vineyard
The Ribbon Ridge Vineyards site is located on the shoulder of Ribbon Ridge in Yamhill County in close proximity to Chehalem’s Ridgecrest Vineyard, Beaux Freres Vineyard, Brick House Vineyard, Whistling Ridge Vineyard and Patricia Green Cellars. The predominant soil type has long been considered Willakenzie clay loam, though more recent surveys indicate a variety of clay loam soils on Ribbon Ridge, with six related soil types found in Ribbon Ridge Vineyards.
The Pommard clone of Pinot Noir (also known as UCD5) was one of the first clones of Pinot Noir grown in Oregon. Its characteristics include aromas of blue/black fruits, Marion berries, spice, earth and at times game or meat, and typically has good color, great structure, with both width and length.
The Dijon 777 clone is one of the newest generation of clones planted in Oregon. It yields complex and well-defined aromas of wild strawberries, cassis, red currants, cinnamon, minerals and black raspberries. Wines produced from Dijon 777 are typically deep, rich and powerful in the mouth with a broad mid-palate that is focused by soft ripe tannins. The combination of clones is expected to deliver a deep and elegant Pinot Noir with spicy fruit, soft tannins, and great structure.
The initial 9 acres of vines has been divided into seven sections based on slope and soil conditions. The Dijon 777, which ripens earlier than the Pommard was planted in the sections that have a slightly Eastern slope while the Pommard was planted in the sections that slope due South or slightly to the West. 53% of the vineyard is planted in Pommard and 47% planted in Dijon 777.