Ridgecrest Estate Gruner Veltliner 2023 (750ml)

100% Gruner Veltliner

ABV 13.2%

Winemaker's Notes
Grüner sure loves a warmer vintage. In 2023 we were able to optimize the ripeness of these grapes to accentuate the characteristics that make Grüner so unique! On the entry we find chartreuse, fresh green bean, starfruit, spicy flowers, freshly cut hay, and underripe apricots; all very good examples of the diverse “green” profile Grüner offers. The palate follows up with a fleshy and bright entry, hints of pear skin, honeydew melon, wet slate, and leeks, and is long and broad on the finish, with clover, lime zest, and gooseberry lingering on the palate. Serve this with a fresh Spring greens’ salad, some shrimp skewers, or an onion tart, and you’ll be winning at dinner. - Wynne

Vintage Notes - 2023:  Return to Normal:  Average Becomes Exceptional
We’ve had several unusual vintages recently, e.g., 2022 (hard freeze), 2021 (hot, hot hot) and 2020 (wildfire smoke). 2023 pleasantly showed us a recent, relative normalcy, albeit warm.

Only two harvests in the last ten have begun earlier, 2023 starting September 11, a full 30 days earlier than our average the first 15 vintages this century. We’re pulling the trigger a bit earlier than before, with 2023 being ripe enough at 2214 degree-days of heat, compared to the last 10 years’ 2348 average at first pick and the growing season end (October 31st) at 2617 CDD—the last 10 years’ growing seasons have averaged 2566 degree-days.

Vineyard vigor, growth and ripening were strong in this summer, with only 2015 having more over-80F days and only 2019 having more rainfall. Cropload yields were slightly smaller by 15% than the all-varietal 2.52 ton-per-acre 5-year average, with disease pressure very low except for a couple late-held varieties and general quality very good to exceptional—and that we’d like to see become normal. - HPN

Scores/Reviews
90 points JEB DUNNUCK

All of these wines from Ridgecrest are bottled under screw cap. A floral style of Gruner, the 2023 Gruner Veltliner Estate comes from Ribbon Ridge. Pouring a bright but pale yellow color, the 2023 Gruner Veltliner Estate leads with pretty notes of white flowers, pineapple rind, lime, and wet stones. Midweight and light on its feet, it has a kiss of sweet fruit on the palate, with a refreshing feel, although it‘s not austere in any way. It’s a lovely, fresh style to drink over the next few years. - Audrey Frick, Maturity 2024-2027, Tasting Date 8/6/2024