River Ridge Winery

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Feb 14, 2010

Favorite Wine: 2007 Chambourcin

Located on the loess-capped ridgetops of Crowley's Ridge, River Ridge Winery produces some of Missouri's most distinctive wines. The owner is a UC-Davis graduate. In recent years, he has begun to explore growing California varietal grapes on his ancient glacial soils. His Norton, Cynthiana, and Chambourcin are big, bold and complex wines. A popular dry red blend, Joie de Riviere, includes Cabernet Franc and offers a bright cherry yet savory finish. River Ridge ages in Missouri white oak, French oak and steel. Classy winery with outstanding food, a great place nestled in the woods, and their wine ages beautifully, but is mellow enough to drink today. Top picks for Nortons, Cynthiana, and Chambourcin. Brilliant, oaky whites available, too.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jan 05, 2010

Norton Wine Review: River Ridge Winery is a friendly out-from-the-beaten path winery with a Norton offering that is unique in that you get to contrast two barreled Norton wines. The same grapes from the same location, but one called Norton (aged in American Oak) and the other named Cynthiana (aged in French Oak). We were more impressed with the Norton grape aged in French oak which was able to "talk" in softer tones as we enjoyed late summer at this setting. The owner went out of his way to take us up to the high bluff area in his personal car where the Norton grapes were peacefully growing in an undisturbed location away from traffic. What a nice experience. Yes, we will return to taste how these Norton wines mature in the years to come.