Wine Notes > Gamay Noir > Previous Release

1995-96 Ridgecrest Vineyards CERISE™

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The Wine

A blend of Gamay noir and Pinot noir, in Burgundy this blend is called passetoutgrains; it is an excellent, high fruit, crisp acid food wine for casual dinners or quaffing especially on summer afternoons, slightly chilled; this version is a combination of 1995 and 1996 cuvees, each contributing different characteristics which make for a bright, spicy and crisp red, with blueberry and blackberry fruit added to traditional cherry; perfect equally with BBQ or with a turkey (holiday or one with whom you fight). 900 cases made.

Quotes

Beverage Testing Institute, July, 2000: Dark violet-purple hue. Meaty black cherry aromas. Vibrant on the attack with a medium body and a flashy finish.

The Sunday Oregonian, Tastings , November 23, 1997 (Heidi Yorkshire): As for me, I'll be at my parents' on Thursday, feasting with family. We'll have two wines ... [one a] Chehalem Cerise, a nonvintage, fruit-packed blend of Gamay noir and Pinot noir from Oregon winemaker Harry Peterson-Nedry.

NorthWest Cellar Notes, NorthWest Wine Club (Washington State), August 1997: Chehalem's Cerise is a tremendous light, Beaujolais-style blend of Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir, perfect for summer.

Arizona Republic and Raleigh News & Observer (Phoenix, AZ and NC), July, 1997: The following summer wine picks: Gamay, Pinot noir blend. Cerise means "cherry" in French; aroma is dominated by cherry scent, with roasted-nut and coffee notes. Medium-high acidity and body. Dry finish with light astringency. This light, fruity and mild wine is best served lightly chilled with simple, not heavily flavored foods. Serve with picnic fare, grilled seafood, soups.

The New York Observer (NYC), January 20, 1997 (Moira Hodgson): 1993 Cerise (mentioned in a restaurant review of Redeye Grill): We ordered an excellent Pinot noir whose name—Chehalem Cerise—neither the waiter nor my husband could pronounce. "The wine formerly known as Prince," said my husband, reading on the back of the bottle. Cerise is the French for 'cherry.'"

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