Press
November 2024 Cellar Selects: Pinot Portraits
OREGON WINE PRESS
November 1, 2024
This wine greets the nose with aromas of red and black cherries, raspberry and spice box. A rush of flavor begins with Bing cherries, strawberry and raspberry, accompanied by subtle notes of sweet pipe tobacco and nutmeg. A touch of pomegranate supplies brightness, concluding with a lengthy, elegant ending. READ MORE
Mixing It Up | Event showcases wines crafted by small producers
OREGON WINE PRESS
November 1, 2024
The Indie Wine Mixer, featuring 30 independent, boutique wineries, will host a two-day, pre-Thanksgiving edition on November 23-24, from noon-6 p.m. Held at the Ricochet Et al. Wine Bar, a lounge inside Ricochet Wine Company’s new McMinnville wine facility, the event promises 10 distinctive wineries daily along with great food in an unpretentious setting. READ MORE
From Loin and Ribs to Adobo, How to Pair Wine With Pork
WINE ENTHUSIAST
October 30, 2024
“It’s a beautiful Tempranillo that’s so food-friendly and has the right amount of acidity,” says Arias Sanchez. “It’s not super alcoholic, and it has this fruitiness that I really like. No new oak or anything like that—it is very pure to the fruit.” READ MORE
Why a 'vagabond' Oregon winemaker is taking the winery plunge
PORTLAND BUSINESS JOURNAL
Jul 2, 2024
Erich Berg is giving Ricochet Wine Co., and some fellow indie brands, a home. READ MORE
New Meets Old: Part Two | Ancient winemaking techniques in the modern world
OREGON WINE PRESS
July 1, 2024
(Faith) Lemire-Baeten feels excited by the new direction of the wine industry. “Along with the trends toward natural wine, we are slowly rediscovering its roots,” she says. Stressing how ancient winemaking techniques can translate to understanding wine as a whole (…) Lemire-Baeten’s recommendations: Ricochet Wine Company. READ MORE
Ricochet Wine Company | Bouncing Around & Giving Back
HUNGRY FOR MORE: AN EPICUREAN’S DILEMMA
June 13, 2024
Hang on folks, it's a bouncy one. Trish interviews Erich Berg, founder and winemaker of Ricochet Wine Company. Erich is from the East Coast and first learned about wine when he got a job in a fine dining restaurant after college. In 2004, he decided to move to Oregon to work a harvest at Domaine Serene, and loved it, but a hip surgery a few years in put some plans at a standstill. This is where Erich's story gets a little bouncy because he decided to completely change his path, his job, etc. He's a teacher at heart, but explains he simply couldn't leave the vineyard and winemaking behind. He talks about his winemaking philosophy, where the name Ricochet comes from, and why it's more than just a label on a bottle. LISTEN HERE
Ricochet 2022 Vin d’Evelyn Syrah • 93 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
April 1, 2024
There are Northern Rhône vibes here, with aromas of blackberries and boysenberries carousing with notes of violets and pork fat. Crisp acidity adds a bite to flavors like orange zest, blackberries and candied rose petals. Sturdy tannins will help you enjoy this from 2024 to 2033. — Michael Alberty
Ricochet 2022 Yamhill Valley Vineyards Pinot Blanc • 92 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
April 1, 2024
This wine reminds me why I can never give up on Pinot Blanc. The enticing aromas range from yellow apple skins and lemon butter to sage tea and peonies. Then, crunchy acidity highlights flavors like a Bosc pear drizzled with butterscotch. Pinot Blanc still matters. — Michael Alberty
Oregon Pinot Noir…Awesome or OVERRATED???
DR. MATTHEW HORKEY | YOUTUBE.COM
March 31, 2024
The flagship red wine grape of Oregon is Pinot Noir and its stronghold is the Willamette Valley. These wines can get a little pricey, so are they really good or overrated??? Learn more in this blind tasting. LISTEN HERE
The 26 Best Red Blends for 2024
VINEPAIR.COM
February 27, 2024
Wine lover turned winemaker turned teacher turned winemaker again, Erich Berg is doing something different. He’s making wine with unique blends (like this bottle made with Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and Syrah) and giving back to the community… READ MORE
6 November Wine Events Guaranteed to Get You in the Holiday Mood
THE OREGONIAN
October 28, 2023
A Very Indie Thanksgiving Wine Mixer in McMinnville
Ten independent wineries will join forces on the mezzanine at Mac Market to kick off the holidays in style. The participating wineries are Augustina Cellars, Cortell Collection, Guerilla Wine Co., Human Cellars, Liska Wine Co., Ricochet Wine Co., Satyr Fire, Sealionne and Sound and Vision. READ MORE
Ricochet 2022 Le Resort Pétillant-Naturel Sparkling Pinot Gris • 91 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
October 1, 2023
A ramato-style Pinot Gris spends five days on skins then finishes fermentation in the bottle, with no added sulfur. Lightly effervescent, with aromas and flavors of fresh cut grass, strawberry lemonade, beeswax and pistachios. This wine is a lot of fun and should be approached with mischief in mind. — Michael Alberty
Ricochet 2022 MRV Les Collines Vineyard White • 93 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
October 1, 2023
Lemon peels and lanolin is not a new band, it is what you get when breathing deeply from this tempting trinity of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier blend. Brilliant acidity shines its spotlight on crisp, clean flavors like tangerines, thyme, saline and wet slate—you can almost smell the Mediterranean Sea. — Michael Alberty
From the Runway to the Vineyard: Erich Berg’s Unique Journey in Wine
WEINNOTES
September 7 , 2023
Join us for an extraordinary episode as we sit down with Erich Berg, the 6'2" winemaker with a flair for fashion, in an interview that unveils the fascinating twists and turns of his life's journey. LISTEN HERE
Ricochet 2021 Coventina Vineyards Tempranillo • 90 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
September 1, 2023
This full-bodied wine hits you straight out of the gate with potent aromas of macerated strawberries, black pepper, tobacco and seared steak. Black cherries and dark chocolate fill the mouth, with grippy tannins and a surprising bit of acidity. Enjoy this bodacious juice now through 2033. — Michael Alberty
Better Together | Transforming white wine by blending varieties
OREGON WINE PRESS
July 14, 2023
Winemaker and owner of Ricochet Wine Company, Erich Berg says, “While there are no original ideas, there are many original white blends, beyond the selection of grape varieties; there’s the approach (co-ferment or blend later), the vessel (barrel, tank, concrete or amphora), skin contact or direct press. All of these variables can make for really distinct, fun, and perhaps even irreverent white wines. And, arguably, sophisticated, approachable and memorable wines.” READ MORE
Season 06: Episode 6 | Grateful Vineyard & Ricochet Wine
WINE CRUSH PODCAST NW
May 23, 2023
Get ready for a fresh pour of Ricochet Wine! We sit down with Eric Berg, the creative mind behind Ricochet Winery.
From his days as a model to hosting some of the most exciting wine events around, Eric's journey is anything but typical. His stories about global adventures, discovering the world of wine working in high end restaurants and his passion for wine are certain to captivate you. LISTEN HERE
Ricochet 2021 Red Blend • 90 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
May 1, 2023
This light, nothing-added-nothing taken away, high-acid wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Tempranillo and Mourvedre made with fruit from across Oregon. Its nose is fresh and floral, with peonies mixing with black cherries. The crisp flavors of raspberries, strawberries and lemon are ultimately quaffable. — Michael Alberty
Ricochet 2021 Holmes Gap Vineyard Pinot Noir • 90 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
May 1, 2023
The first sniff hooked me. The wine's fascinating blackberry, pomegranate seed and fresh-cut hay aromas lured me in, and I wasn't disappointed. Traces of dark chocolate, almonds and leather joined black cherry and dried cranberry flavors. The mouthfeel is smooth and soft, as are the tannins and acidity. — Michael Alberty
Ricochet 2021 Pinot Noir • 90 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
May 1, 2023
Red raspberry and peach aromas are surrounded by a cloud of woody sandalwood perfume. The wine's tart cranberry and citrus flavors join a brisk amount of acidity to quite literally make your mouth water. If you like your pinots tangy and crisp, buy this wine by the case. — Michael Alberty
Ricochet 2021 Yamhill Vineyard Pinot Blanc • 90 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
May 1, 2023
Made with fruit from 40-year old vines, this is a tangy treat. There is a little Golden Delicious apple fruit on the nose, with an an abundant amount of flowering dill, fireweed honey and cornichons. Both texture and acidity are on the soft side, with flavors like white peach,lime and chilled cucumber slices. — Michael Alberty
Ricochet 2020 Tempranillo • 90 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
March 1, 2022
This single vineyard selection is focused and pure, with brambly raspberry and cherry fruit that moves into a lightly pruney plum pudding. It's got a nicely textured midpalate, good length and highlights of chocolate and seed. — Paul Gregutt
Ricochet 2019 Pinot Noir • 91 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
Marc 1, 2022
Ricochet makes natural wines, with no additives or enzymes, and native yeast for fermentation. This wine reflects all the strengths of such a somewhat risky program, with floral aromatics, lovely texture, highlights of Asian spice and unusual depth of flavor. It's not in any way standard or in step with the usual flavors of Oregon Pinot Noir, but in every way it's a challenging and fascinating bottle. — Paul Gregutt
Ricochet 2020 Mourvèdre Rosé • 90 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
March 1, 2022
This is an orange wine, barrel fermented and intentionally left to oxidize. Winemaker Erich Berg also works at Day Wines and brings much the same aesthetic to his Ricochet project. This spicy and toasty wine has good concentration and lingering flavors of apple pie, cinnamon and brioche. Delicious now, it's hard to imagine it will ever taste any better, so drink and enjoy! — Paul Gregutt
Ricochet 2020 Yamhill Vineyards Pinot Blanc • 91 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
March 1, 2022
This is sourced from the Yamhill Valley Vineyards site in the McMinnville AVA, though it carries the broader Willamette Valley appellation. There's a light floral component in the scent and carrying into the flavor, along with apple skin, honeycomb and lemon. It's a natural wine with the subtlety and detail that such wines can bring, along with uncertain stability. Drink now and over the next two years. — Paul Gregutt
Ricochet 2020 Grüner Veltliner • 90 Pts
WINE ENTHUSIAST
March 1, 2022
Rare in Oregon, GV responds to New World terroir as anticipated, with more fruit and less minerality than the classic versions from Austria. This is nonetheless a lovely white wine option with a crisp mix of apple, Asian pear, cucumber and parsley. The acidity keeps it fresh and lively. — Paul Gregutt
Ricochet Wine Co. is the Willamette Valley’s ‘comeback kid’
THE OREGONIAN
Nov. 22, 2021
Erich Berg bounced back from an anxiety disorder, career burnout and major surgery to become one of the Willamette Valley’s brightest new winemakers. Now he wants to use Ricochet Wine Co. to help others bounce back from their own personal challenges. READ MORE
