The 2009 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is a spicy, straightforward effort that displays some elegance, good balance, and a moderately lengthy finish. Drink it over the next 6 years. Raptor Ridge was able to move into their new winery facility just in time for the 2010 harvest. In the interim, their 2009s offer a fair reflection of that vintage. www.raptorridge.com

There are 2500 cases of the 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, a blend of 7 vineyards. Medium ruby red with an inviting nose of cherry blossom, spice box, cranberry, and raspberry, on the palate it has ample savory fruit, some structure, and lively acidity. It is likely to evolve for 1-2 years but can be enjoyed now. When I visited in August, 2010, Raptor Ridge was completing construction of their new winery, hopefully in time for the 2010 harvest. I also tasted a 2008 Pinot Noir Meredith Mitchell Vineyard, but it was too herbaceous and tannic to recommend. www.raptorridge.com